Family functioning, hope, and resilience among incarcerated female property offenders: A cross‐sectional study in China

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to explore the mediating role of hope in the relationship between family functioning and resilience among incarcerated female property offenders.

Methods

A total of 437 female property offenders completed questionnaires including the Resilience Scale, Family Functioning Scale, and Hope Scale.

Results

(1) Mediation analysis provided evidence consistent with a possible partial mediating role of hope in the relationship between family functioning and resilience. (2) Network analysis indicated that family functioning, hope, and resilience were closely interconnected and structurally stable. The core nodes identified were “I consider myself a strong person,” “Parents are aware of their children’s needs,” “Family members are tolerant of one another,” and “Past successes give me confidence to face challenges.” Hope served as a crucial bridge node linking family functioning and resilience.

Conclusion

Hope may be considered a potential focus of interventions aimed at supporting resilience in this population. These findings provide meaningful insights for educational rehabilitation, recidivism prevention, and social reintegration of female offenders convicted of property crimes.