Violence Exposure and PTSD Among Delinquent Girls (From Trauma and Juvenile Delinquency: Theory, Research, and Interventions, P 109-126, 2002, Ricky Greenwald, ed., -- See NCJ-198433)

• NCJ Number: 198438
• Author(s): Jenifer Wood; David W. Foy; Carole A. Goguen; Robert Pynoos; C. Boyd James
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: Haworth Maltreatment and Trauma Press
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter focuses on the trauma histories and mental health needs of incarcerated girls.

Abstract

The small amount of research that has been done with incarcerated girls to date suggests that many of these girls have histories of trauma and victimization, as well as generally higher levels of associated psychological difficulties than incarcerated boys. This study used data obtained from 100 incarcerated girls. It highlights areas of similarity to and difference from incarcerated boys, including levels of traumatic violence exposure, exposure to unique forms of traumatic violence, psychological symptomatology and risk behaviors associated with violence exposure, and correlates of involvement in serious delinquent activity. Results show that the incarcerated females interviewed described high levels of multiple forms of victimization, within their families of origin, in their relationships with boyfriends, and on the streets. In comparison with incarcerated male adolescents, they reported significantly higher levels of physical punishment and sexual abuse, as well as higher levels of psychological distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Females reported high levels of exposure to serious incidents of community violence, including witnessing the homicide of close others. They also engaged in a number of risky drug-related behaviors. Females involved with gangs and guns tended to report higher levels of family dysfunction compared to their incarcerated male counterparts. Females reported more years of gang involvement, on average, than males. Results suggest that, although both male and female incarcerated adolescents are exposed to high levels of violence and display clinically significant levels of psychological distress, such experiences and difficulties are significantly more extreme for girls. Family risk, physical punishment, and low family support are more strongly associated with girls’ involvement in serious delinquent activity. 4 tables, 29 references