NCJ Number
250793
Journal
Psychological Trauma-Theory Research Practice and Policy Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2016 Pages: 455-463
Date Published
July 2016
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Since female offenders have different risk factors for offending than do male offenders, as well as elevated rates of interpersonal victimization such as physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, this study used factor analysis to examine patterns of traumatic events experienced by women in jail; and it explored how these patterns were associated with four psychiatric disorders (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], major depression, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder).
Abstract
The study found that three factors were involved in the observed patterns of trauma exposure: family dysfunction (FD), interpersonal violence (IPV), and external events (EE). Life events were analyzed as a separate group of variables. FD and IPV each contributed independently to the odds of having each of the four mental disorders studied; significant odds ratios were in the range of 1.38-2.05. All three factors contributed to the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The only diagnosis to which stressful life events made a unique contribution was the likelihood of having PTSD. Thus, this study provides further support for the importance of assessing trauma exposure of women in jail, especially the family context, as well as mental health. Implementation and testing of evidence-based treatment approaches that address trauma-related distress in correctional settings are warranted. A total of 464 women from nine jails in four geographic regions in the United States composed the sample. Women participated in diagnostic interviews to assess trauma exposure and psychiatric disorders. (Publisher abstract modified)