NCJ Number
228439
Journal
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 38 Issue: 9 Dated: October 2009 Pages: 1214-1225
Date Published
October 2009
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examined the interrelationships among trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and mental health problems in a sample of 289 adolescents (199 males and 90 females) detained in a juvenile correctional facility.
Abstract
The study found that for all youth, trauma exposure, PTSD, and mental problems were interrelated. Results of structural equation modeling were consistent with the hypothesis that PTSD mediates the relationship between interpersonal trauma and mental health problems for all youth, although the results were stronger for females. Females scored higher than males on measures of interpersonal trauma exposure and symptoms of both simple and complex PTSD. Females also manifested more mental health problems in the areas of depression/anxiety, somatic complaints, and suicidal ideation. Study participants were youth recently remanded to the custody of a county juvenile detention center in the Midwest from January to July 2007. Offenses ranged from status offenses to assault. The UCLA Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Index for DSM IV Adolescent Version was used to screen for exposure to traumatic events and symptoms of PTSD. The Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument - Second Version was used to screen for mental health problems. Five scales measured alcohol/drug use, anger-irritability, depressed-anxious, somatic complaints, and suicidal ideation. 3 tables, 2 figures, and 79 references