Graduation Year
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Ph.D.
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Degree Granting Department
Mental Health Law and Policy
Major Professor
Micah E. Johnson, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Kimberly Johnson, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Steven Reader, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Khary K. Rigg, Ph.D.
Keywords
Juvenile Justice, Race and Ethnicity, Spatial Analysis, Substance Misuse, Trauma
Abstract
The purpose of this dissertation was to assess the relationship between childhood trauma and substance use problems as latent constructs among justice-involved adolescents (JIA). Additionally, racial differences and spatial analyses were examined. Previous research underscores the limitations of conceptualizing childhood trauma solely through Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This justified integrating child welfare involvement, or out-of-home placement, as an additional indicator to develop a comprehensive scope of childhood trauma among JIA. Furthermore, current literature established that childhood trauma is a key predictor of substance misuse among JIA. However, the lack of a standardized measure of substance misuse across juvenile justice systems and the exclusion of substance use related problem indicators may contribute to disproportionate effects among JIA. Propositions from the Childhood Trauma Model were employed to hypothesize childhood trauma and substance use problems as latent constructs and their relationship among JIA. This dissertation examined secondary data from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice from 2005 to 2019. Factor analyses and path analysis were used to develop comprehensive measures of childhood trauma and substance use problems and assess their predicted association and racial differences. Hillsborough County and immediate surrounding counties were examined to explore the spatial distribution of childhood trauma and substance use problems. Results revealed racial differences in the relationship between childhood trauma and substance use problems, and rates of substance use problems among JIA with childhood trauma varied spatially in a non-random pattern. Contributions to the juvenile justice literature and practical implications are discussed.
Scholar Commons Citation
Bristol, Skye C., "Examining Childhood Trauma and Substance Use Problems among Justice-involved Adolescents in Florida" (2024). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/10169
