The Prevalence and Comorbidity Between Delinquency, Drug Abuse, Suicide Attempts, Physical and Sexual Abuse, and Self-Mutilation Among Delinquent Hispanic Females

Abstract

Representative data show that drug abuse, delinquency, and suicide attempts are major concerns among adolescent Hispanic females. Although comorbidity research indicates that such problems tend to be related to each other, this research largely neglects Hispanic females. Using data from presentence investigations on 141 Hispanic girls sentenced to probation, the present research assesses the prevalence of drug abuse, delinquency, suicide attempts, physical and sexual abuse, and self-mutilation as well as the extent of comorbidity among these problems. Results show very high levels of violent delinquency, marijuana abuse, suicide attempts, and self-mutilation. Comorbidity was also extensive between suicide attempts, self-mutilation, physical and sexual abuse, and between these variables and drug abuse and certain forms of delinquency. This study is among the first to describe the problems of adolescent Hispanic females and highlights the need for additional research to better understand and address the serious issues many of these young women face.