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The relationship between trauma and violence in a jail inmate sample
Daniel J Neller1, Robert L Denney, Christina A Pietz
1Minnesota State Operated Forensic Services, St. Peter, MN 56082, USA. danieljneller@hotmail.com
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|August 9, 2006
Summary
Trauma significantly increases the likelihood of violence perpetration among jail inmates. Witnessing serious violence also emerged as a key predictor of violent behavior in this population.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Criminology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- A complex and debated relationship exists between experiencing trauma and engaging in violent behavior.
- Understanding this link is crucial for effective interventions within correctional settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate self-reported trauma as a predictor of self-reported violence in jail inmates.
- To examine the specific impact of different types of traumatic experiences on violence perpetration.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 93 jail inmates.
- Self-report measures were used to assess lifetime traumatic event exposure and violence in the preceding year.
- Stepwise multiple regression analysis was employed to identify significant predictors of violence.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of trauma (96%) and violence (67%) was observed in the sample.
- Inmates reporting trauma were over twice as likely to report violent behavior compared to non-traumatized inmates.
- Both the overall experience of traumatic events and witnessing serious violence significantly predicted violence perpetration.
Conclusions:
- Self-reported trauma is a significant predictor of violence perpetration in jail inmates.
- Witnessing violence is an independent predictor of engaging in violence.
- Findings underscore the importance of addressing trauma within correctional systems to reduce violence.
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