An Exploratory Structural Equation Model of Stress-Related Experiences Among Justice-Involved Youth: A Gender Comparison

Abstract

Youth involved in the juvenile justice system demonstrate greater risk of exposure to negative life experiences. The present study explores the prevalence of three stress-related experiences (sexual assault victimization, bullying/victimization, and minority sexual orientation) among newly arrested adolescents. Gender (biological sex) differences were examined as well as associations with sociodemographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, substance use, and sexually transmitted infection (STI). Factor analyses found a single factor of stress for both genders. Prevalence rates for bullying/victimization, sexual assault victimization, and sexual minority status were higher for girls than boys. Girls were also more likely than boys to test positive for STIs and experience depressive symptoms, while boys were more likely than girls to test positive for marijuana use. Depression and drug-related problems were associated with the stress construct for girls only. Bivariate comparisons with the three stress measures and sociodemographic characteristics indicated age and race effects. Implications are discussed.

Gender Differences in the Accumulation, Timing, and Duration of Childhood Adverse Experiences and Youth Delinquency in Fragile Families

“…Our findings are more in line with the stress research suggesting that females may be more sensitive to stress which may increase their risk of participating in youth delinquency (Gibson et al 2014). Although, typically, greater strain or stressors may manifest as mental health problems for females (Broidy and Agnew 1997; Dembo et al 2020; Hay 2003), it could be that in high-risk youth samples (like the FFCWS), exposure to a variety of ACEs may be more directly linked to externalizing problems, such as delinquency, for girls compared to boys. Further research is needed to continue to explore these gendered relationships.…”

“…In the stress literature, females appear to have greater stress sensitivity compared to males. Specifically, females are more likely to report higher perceived stress scores compared to males (Myin-Germeys et al 2004; Rudolph and Hammen 1999) and greater stress sensitivity has been significantly associated with inwardly directed symptoms and distress for females (Gibson et al 2014), which often is associated with delinquent behaviors, such as substance use (Dembo et al 2020).…”

Examining Justice System Exposure Among Youth on Health in Young Adulthood: Does Dosage of Contact Matter?

“…Worse general health is also common among arrested populations. For example, arrested youth have been found to have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (Belenko et al, 2008), substance use, and parental incarceration and substance use in comparison to the general population (Dembo et al, 2020).…”

“…Arrested youth often have higher unmet needs in comparison to youth in the general population (e.g., Dembo et al, 2018). Arrested youth exhibit elevated prevalence rates of depression and suicide ideation/attempts (Dembo et al, 2020; Kemp et al, 2021; Krupa et al, 2021). Across the juvenile justice system, studies reported past year suicide ideation ranging from 19%-50%; in comparison to high school youth who ranged from 12%–16% (Kemp et al, 2021; Wasserman & McReynolds, 2006) (for a review see Teplin et al, 2002).…”