Investigating Trauma History and Related Psychosocial Deficits of Women in Prison: Implications for Treatment and Rehabilitation

Abstract

The present study was an investigation into the needs of women in prison. The purpose was to explore women's rehabilitation needs and assess whether correctional programs and policies are promoting rehabilitation. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected for descriptive analysis. A total of 17 incarcerated women from a medium-security prison were surveyed; 11 of those inmates also agreed to be interviewed. Results indicated significant history of trauma as well as significant psychosocial deficits typically associated with trauma. Despite an apparent need for programming addressing trauma, qualitative interviews revealed a shortage of services addressing trauma victimization and institutional policies with the potential to further harm trauma survivors.

KEYWORDS:

• incarcerated women
• rehabilitation
• trauma

Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the Maurice L. Mednick Fellowship, awarded by the Virginia Federation of Independent Colleges and Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, Virginia.

Notes

Note: GED = general equivalency diploma.

^a J. Britton, personal communication, May 10, 2010.

Note: TLEQ = Traumatic Life Events Questionnaire; PTSD = posttraumatic stress disorder.

^a From Kubany (2004). Standard deviation data not provided in the manual or elsewhere.

Note: TABS = Trauma and Attachment Belief Scale.

^a From Pearlman (2003).

Note: TABS = Trauma and Attachment Belief Scale; TLEQ = Traumatic Life Events Questionnaire.

Although not discussed here, inmates also reported a desire for more gender-specific vocational programming, regret for their criminal behavior, a desire to do preventive service with at-risk youth, and poor communication with prison staff.