Trauma Incarcerated: Investigating the Link Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adult Criminal Offending Behaviors
Loading...
Mentor Information
Alora McCarthy
Description
Different forms of childhood trauma have often been associated with a variety of psychological difficulties and problematic behaviors that continue into and throughout adulthood. Many studies have also found childhood trauma to be highly prevalent in incarcerated populations. However, literature varies widely on the definition of childhood trauma, and the connections to criminal behavior tend to remain very broad. Therefore, the current study seeks to investigate a more refined objective by examining the relationship between childhood trauma—using a more defined, inclusive spectrum—and frequency of adult criminal offending behaviors through self-reported data. Among a sample of 1,000 incarcerated individuals at a local county jail, having more traumatic experiences as a child was significantly correlated with having a higher frequency of violent, and total offenses in the 12 months prior to interview, as well as a higher frequency of lifetime arrests. Further research in childhood trauma and criminal behavior is needed to better implement trauma-informed prevention and intervention strategies.
Trauma Incarcerated: Investigating the Link Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adult Criminal Offending Behaviors
Different forms of childhood trauma have often been associated with a variety of psychological difficulties and problematic behaviors that continue into and throughout adulthood. Many studies have also found childhood trauma to be highly prevalent in incarcerated populations. However, literature varies widely on the definition of childhood trauma, and the connections to criminal behavior tend to remain very broad. Therefore, the current study seeks to investigate a more refined objective by examining the relationship between childhood trauma—using a more defined, inclusive spectrum—and frequency of adult criminal offending behaviors through self-reported data. Among a sample of 1,000 incarcerated individuals at a local county jail, having more traumatic experiences as a child was significantly correlated with having a higher frequency of violent, and total offenses in the 12 months prior to interview, as well as a higher frequency of lifetime arrests. Further research in childhood trauma and criminal behavior is needed to better implement trauma-informed prevention and intervention strategies.
Comments
Poster Presentation