Correlates of Victimization in a Juvenile Justice Population

• NCJ Number: 224329
• Journal: Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: 2008 Pages: 103-117
• Author(s): Allison E. Croysdale; Lauren C. Drerup; Kyle Bewsey; Norman G. Hoffmann
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The Practical Adolescent Dual Diagnostic Interview (PADDI) was administered to 435 boys and 61 girls in juvenile justice facilities and adolescent diversion courts in Maine, in order to assess the prevalence of mental-health and substance-use disorders relative to maltreatment (physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse).

Abstract

Findings show that adolescents who had experienced maltreatment were more likely to have diagnostic indications of behavioral health problems. There was a difference in the prevalence rate of maltreatment between boys and girls, with significantly more girls reporting histories of maltreatment than boys. Physical and emotional abuse was similarly prevalent among both boys and girls; whereas, patterns that involved sexual abuse were more prevalent among girls. Juveniles who reported histories of abuse were also twice as likely to report previous suicide attempts compared to juveniles who had not been abused. The prevalence of anxiety conditions was significantly higher for those who reported maltreatment. Although the links between the various forms of maltreatment and behavioral health conditions were strong, the correlations could not imply causation. Confounding variables, such as family environment, traumatic events independent of maltreatment, and the reporting of multiple forms of abuse experienced by the same individual must be taken into account when determining interactions among variables. In order to develop effective treatments for juveniles, it is important to conduct routine assessments that use diagnostic tools such as the PADDI in order to screen for mental health issues, maltreatment, and suicide history. The PADDI is a structured diagnostic interview that assesses indications of prevalent mental health conditions and substance-use disorders among adolescents in accordance with current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, Fourth Edition, Text Revision criteria. The PADDI is designed for routine clinical administrations facilitated by a detailed manual. 3 tables and 23 references