Traumatic experiences among individuals with severe mental illnesses on probation

Abstract

Background: The large and growing number of individuals with severe mental illnesses who are on probation presents challenges to both mental health and criminal justice authorities. The clinical and mental health service needs of probationers with severe mental illnesses have however, been insufficiently researched, particularly with respect to trauma and the need for trauma-informed services.Aims: To explore the lifetime prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among people on probation who also have other serious mental illnesses and their demographic characteristics.Methods: Individuals on probation in six counties in one southeastern state who had been diagnosed with severe mental illnesses were assessed for PTSD; they were also asked whether they had experienced any of 14 traumatic events of interest over their lifetimes.Results: Of 207 participants, about half had clinically diagnosable PTSD. Nearly two-thirds had experienced more than five traumatic events during their lifetimes: 86% experienced at least one non-interpersonal traumatic event, such as a car accident, and 90% experienced at least one interpersonal traumatic event, such as a physical assault. The latter was the single most frequently reported traumatic event (80%, n = 160). PTSD was, on average, associated with a higher number of prior traumatic experiences overall. Conclusions:In one state in the USA, rates of trauma experiences and PTSD among probationers with other mental illnesses are high. Relative to prisoners, little is known about

Type of Victimization Exposure, Perpetrator Type, and Timing of Victimization: The Impact on Behavioral Health Outcomes

“…The effects of victimization among prison populations have been well-established (Cain et al, 2016;Maschi et al, 2019;Meade & Steiner, 2013), but less is known about jail populations, and research examining the influence of abuse timing and perpetrator type in jail populations has been even more limited. However, studying jailed individuals is vital because jailed persons return to the community more quickly and also indicate a higher incidence of victimization, BHDs, and SUD (Givens & Cuddeback, 2021;Karlsson & Zielinski, 2020). Prevalence of these factors in jail populations is notable, as facilities generally lack the resources to address trauma experiences or BHDs (Bonta & Andrews, 2017).…”

“…As indicated, pathways theory suggests that victimization gives rise to maladaptive coping strategies, such as SUD and risky behaviors (Chesney-Lind & Pasko, 2013), or contributes to mental health problems (MHPs)-all of which can eventually contribute to increased criminal behavior (Dalbir et al, 2022;Salisbury & Van Voorhis, 2009). Accordingly, this could explain why abuse, BHDs, and SUD are so prevalent in correctional populations (Givens & Cuddeback, 2021;Karlsson & Zielinski, 2020). For instance, Salisbury and Van Voorhis (2009) found childhood victimization was connected to mental illness and substance abuse.…”

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Community Health Specialists Within Gender-Responsive Probation Supervision

“…Although current and prior traumatic experiences tend to be highly concentrated within justice-involved women, a trauma informed approach is beneficial for all (Levenson & Willis, 2019). Evidence suggests that justice-involved individuals, regardless of gender, often have experienced cumulative traumatic events, which can result in cyclical legal involvement when left untreated (Givens & Cuddeback, 2021; Williams et al, 2020).…”

Making a Case for Gender-Responsive, Trauma-Informed Mental Health Courts: An Exploration of Participant Trauma Histories

“…First, they are a subset of the criminal justice population, which has higher rates of trauma than the general population (Stensrud et al, 2018;Wolff & Shi, 2012). More than 90% of criminal justice-involved individuals report having experienced at least one lifetime traumatic event (Adams et al, 2017;Givens & Cuddeback, 2021;Green et al, 2005;Komarovskaya et al, 2011;Sartor et al, 2012). Second, studies estimate that between 87% and 98% of individuals with a psychiatric diagnosis have experienced at least one traumatic lifetime event (Cusack et al, 2004;Cusack et al, 2006;Mueser et al, 1998).…”