Women prisioners and attachment. An Occupational Therapy intervention in Magallanes

Abstract

This research is based in human rights perspectives with gender approach. The purpose was to evaluate the impact of an occupational therapy intervention regarding relationship between mother and child inside the Penitentiary Precinct of Punta Arenas. In order to accomplish the goal qualitative methods were used and the design was a case study. Data collection included active-participant observation and interviews with mothers. Data analysis was developed under the guidance of grounded theory. Results show positive changes in affection, attachment, motivation and empathy. There is a positive impact in attachment, development of the link mother-daughter, conscience of the affiliated relation and positive changes in the perception of the mother’s role. It is urgent to continue advancing in Chile about the recognition and boarding on needs of women who reside in the penitentiary system: in strategies that allow them to accede to significant occupations in this context, and therefore to respect their fundamental human rights.