Childhood traumatic experiences and mental health problems in sexually offending and non-sexually offending juveniles.

Cyril Boonmann,Olivier F Colins,Theo A H Doreleijers,Lucres M C Jansen,Eva A Mulder,Laura S Guy,Thomas Grisso,P Vahl,Robert R J M Vermeiren

doi:10.1186/s13034-016-0127-2

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between a history of childhood abuse and mental health problems in juveniles who sexually offended (JSOs) over and above general offending behavior.MethodsA sample of 44 JSOs incarcerated in two juvenile detention centers in the Netherlands between May 2008 and March 2014 were examined for childhood abuse history (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form) and mental health problems (Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-Version 2). Furthermore, the connection between childhood abuse and mental health problems in JSOs was compared to a sample of 44 propensity score matched juveniles who offended non-sexually (non-JSOs).ResultsIn JSOs, sexual abuse was related to anger problems, suicidal ideation, and thought disturbance. These associations were significantly stronger in JSOs than in non-JSOs.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the relationship between childhood abuse and both internalizing and externalizing mental health problems is of more salience for understanding sexual offending than non-sexual offending, and should, therefore, be an important focus in the assessment and treatment of JSOs.

Highlights

Childhood traumatic experiences are a major societal problem, with detrimental consequences for the victim
Childhood abuse is highly prevalent in juveniles who have sexually offended (JSOs) (e.g., [5]), little attention has been devoted to the direct relation between childhood abuse and mental health problems in this specific group of offenders
The caution cut-off scores of the MAYSI-2 indicate that problems with thought disturbance, depression and anxiety, and somatic complaints are highly prevalent in JSOs

Summary

Introduction

Childhood traumatic experiences are a major societal problem, with detrimental consequences for the victim. Childhood abuse is highly prevalent in juveniles who have sexually offended (JSOs) (e.g., [5]), little attention has been devoted to the direct relation between childhood abuse and mental health problems in this specific group of offenders. More insight into this relationship could be of great importance for the assessment and treatment of JSOs. Previous studies showed that childhood abuse is highly prevalent in JSOs. Based on information reported in Seto and Lalumière’s meta-analysis [5], the mean prevalence rate for sexual abuse in JSOs was 36.9%,1 42.2% for physical abuse, and 48.1% for emotional abuse/neglect.

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Results

Conclusion