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Trauma Exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Incarcerated Men

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Journal of Urban Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Trauma exposure and trauma-related symptoms are prevalent among incarcerated men, suggesting a need for behavioral health intervention. A random sample of adult males (N = 592) residing in a single high-security prison were screened for trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Trauma was a universal experience among incarcerated men. Rates of current PTSD symptoms and lifetime PTSD were significantly higher (30 to 60 %) than rates found in the general male populations (3 to 6 %). Lifetime rates of trauma and PTSD were associated with psychiatric disorders. This study suggests the need for a gender-sensitive response to trauma among incarcerated men with modification for comorbid mental disorders and type of trauma exposure. Developing gender-sensitive trauma interventions for incarcerated men and testing them is necessary to improve the behavioral health outcomes of incarcerated men who disproportionately return to urban communities.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by grant R01-MH095206 from the National Institute of Mental Health

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Behavioral Health Services and Criminal Justice Research, Rutgers University, 176 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA

    Nancy Wolff, Jessica Huening & Jing Shi

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI, 96720, USA

    B. Christopher Frueh

  3. The Menninger Clinic, Houston, TX, 12303, USA

    B. Christopher Frueh

Authors
  1. Nancy Wolff
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  2. Jessica Huening
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  3. Jing Shi
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  4. B. Christopher Frueh
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Correspondence to Nancy Wolff.

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Wolff, N., Huening, J., Shi, J. et al. Trauma Exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Incarcerated Men. J Urban Health 91, 707–719 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-014-9871-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-014-9871-x

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