Disaggregating the heterogeneity of DSM-5 posttraumatic stress symptoms and disorder among justice-involved adolescents

• NCJ Number: 311230
• Journal: Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy
• Date Published: 2025
• Author(s): L. Mendez; A. Alexander; G. Parker; P. K. Kerig
• Grant Number(s): 2014-R2-CX-0020
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Abstract

Objective: Recent studies have emphasized the value of a person-centered, dimensional approach to understanding the heterogeneity of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition posttraumatic stress disorder by showing that among adults there are underlying homogeneous posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) profiles. However, similar patterns have yet to be examined among adolescents, particularly at-risk justice-involved youth. This is an important gap to bridge given that there may be developmental differences in symptom expression and specific risk factors associated with youth profiles. Method: The present study used latent profile analysis among a sample of 296 justice-involved youth to examine patterns of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition PTSS and the associations of these profiles with exposure to cumulative trauma and specific interpersonal traumas, as well as demographic characteristics. Results: Findings supported the presence of five distinct profiles of PTSS, including a classic presentation, an externalizing pattern, and several presentations with dissociation. Findings also showed that higher levels of cumulative and specific interpersonal traumas, being older, and identifying as female were correlates of the more severe profile of PTSS with dissociative subtype. Conclusions: Broadly, these results contribute to our understanding of posttraumatic stress disorder as a heterogeneous condition among adolescents, particularly at-risk justice-involved youth.

Impact Statement

The study uncovered five distinct profiles of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among justice-involved youth that were differently associated with trauma exposure and demographic characteristics. These findings highlight the importance of using a person-centered approach to better understand youths’ PTSS and posttraumatic stress disorder presentations and tailor trauma-focused interventions.

(Publisher abstract provided.)