Family implications during deprivation of liberty and Attachment Theory: a qualitative metasynthesis

Objectives: to synthesize evidence from qualitative studies about the implications that the deprivation of liberty process has on incarcerated adults' family relationships. Methods: a qualitative meta-synthesis, carried out in January 2021, by searching for publications indexed in six databases. The sample consisted of 10 studies, which were analyzed by MaxQDA((R)), and an interpretative synthesis was performed based on Attachment Theory. Results: based on first-order concepts, it was possible to synthesize second- and third-order concepts and present them in two interpretive context units: Strategies for strengthening family ties; Relationships that contribute to breaking down family ties. It was evidenced that visits, phone calls and letters favor the strengthening of secure attachment. Final Considerations: incarceration causes consequences in tie formation, reflecting on the attachment process between family members.