Abstract:
This paper is an attempt towards the better understanding of the father hood of incarcerated men. In particular, research results are reported concerning a tool to measure the paternal involvement of incarcerated fathers – Questionnaire of Paternal Engagement ZK (KOZ-ZK). An exploratory factor analysis has revealed three dimensions of paternal engagement of incarcerated fathers, namely (i) paternal engagement during the time of imprisoninent, (ii) paternal engagement during the leave from prison, (iii) father’s accessibility. ln a pilot research project examining the psychometric properties of the questionnaire took part 215 incarcerated fathers. The questionnaire contained 22 items and was proved to have good psychometric properties (Cronbach’s α = 0,924). Additionally, a qualitative survey was conducted using the KOZ-ZK questionnaire and structured interviews. It turned out that the questionnaire properly reflected different intensities of paternal engagement of incarcerated fathers, important role being played by the relationship of the maen with the mother of their children.
