Incarcerated Fathers: Palestinian Children and Experiences of Difficulties

Abstract

This study aimed to reveal the difficulties experienced by the children of Palestinian men arrested and held in Israeli prisons. 30 captives’ children, (between 11-17 years old, all of whom have a father in Israeli prison) were interviewed using a semi structured interview, using open- questions to provide them with a greater opportunity to speak about their experiences. The interviews were held in the children’s houses in the presence of their mothers. On the other hand, these interviews were carried out by female a specialized in psychology and in doing such interviews. Four main research questions were discussed; community difficulties, social support, feelings and emotions and adjustment strategies. A thematic analysis way was used throughout the interviews. We concluded that in addition to the fear and lonely feelings of being separated from their fathers, the very tired and frustrating visiting process to Israeli prison and the ongoing conflict, situation within Corona time, the children expressed a frustrating and tough social network characterized by constant interferences in their personal lives. Most children spoke about the need of specialized psychosocial and social support; in addition, coping strategies ranged from religious, confrontation, acceptance, distraction, to planning strategies.