Trauma Exposure, Posttraumatic Stress, and Comorbidities in Female Adolescent Offenders: Findings and Implications from Recent Studies

• NCJ Number: 242133
• Journal: European Journal of Psychotraumatology Volume: 3 Dated: 2012 Pages: 1-13
• Author(s): David W. Foy; Iya K. Ritchie; Alison H. Conway
• Date Published: May 2012
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research); Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article consolidates relevant research findings in presenting the body of current knowledge on female juvenile offenders' trauma-related mental health and rehabilitation issues.

Abstract

Thirty-three recent studies on female offenders' trauma exposure and related mental health issues indicate that severe exposure from multiple types of trauma is most often found among female adolescent offenders. Rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) generally exceed 30 percent. There are also high prevalence rates for other comorbidities, such as depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Interpersonal and/or peer-related risk factors for trauma include being a victim of dating violence, along with strong attachment to a deviant peer group. Other risk factors are mental disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders. Protective factors decrease the risk for female juvenile offending; they include family variables such as consistency in parental discipline, monitoring, and bonding. Individual protective factors include high self-esteem, optimism, and confidence. Girls who are committed to school and academic pursuits, are involved in extracurricular activities, and are attached to both their parents and conventional peers are more likely to resist involvement in delinquent activities. Resilience also rated high as an individual protective factor. Overall, the studies found that comprehensive programs that target multiple risk factors worked best in reducing delinquency, regardless of whether they targeted both genders or specifically girls; however, gender-specific programs apparently have positive effects on a variety of outcomes, such as self-esteem, education, relationships with family and friends, and other social-psychological outcomes. The search for studies involved the use of PILOTS, PsycLIT, PsycINFO, and EBSCOhost electronic databases. 1 table and 96 references