View article

This study explores the role romantic relationships play for individuals who live with significant mental illness and are involved in the criminal justice system. Life-course researchers have long hypothesized about the important influence of romantic bonds as impacting outcomes for both criminally involved men and women in varying ways. Far less attention, however, has focused on individuals with significant mental illness and criminal justice system involvement, and there is almost none that addresses criminally involved individuals with mental illness’ own perspective on these matters. The current study examines the narratives of 111 probationers with mental illness on a specialty mental health caseload to understand how romantic relationships impact their lives. Findings demonstrate the dynamic influence of mental illness on romantic relationships in conjunction with addiction, violence, and criminal justice …