4 December 2010
COPING is a recently launched child-centred research project which aims to investigate the characteristics of children with imprisoned parents, their resilience, and their vulnerability to mental health problems. Over the period of the next three years, the study will cover four countries (UK, Germany, Sweden and Romania). The findings, however, are expected to have European-wide and international application.
The COPING research strategy’s innovative approach places the clearest emphasis on knowledge obtained directly from children and young people. Total survey sample will be 800 interviews, 200 children with an imprisoned parent in each of the four countries.
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale will be used to ascertain coping strategies and mental health problems for these young people; results subsequently will be compared with normative population samples. Smaller groups of children and parents will be involved in qualitative interviews to explore the impact of parental imprisonment and support services available in greater detail. Further available intervention services to support these families will be comprehensively mapped.
Children will play a prominent role in disseminating research results to policymakers, professional bodies and key organisations.