![Sample our Health and Social Care journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5938/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Health-Social-Care.jpg"})
Abstract
The association of sexual abuse and witnessing traumatic incidents with mental health, behavioral problems, and suicidality was examined in 74 teenage boys incarcerated in Oregon. Sexual abuse had strong effects on suicidality and internalizing problems. Witnessing traumatic events had more modest effects. Those with both traumas showed markedly higher rates of suicidality. The effects of sexual abuse remained when controlling for neighborhood decline and family conflict, but the effects of witnessing trauma became insignificant. These results are convergent with other studies and suggest trauma is a highly salient issue for many incarcerated youth. Policy, research, and clinical implications are discussed.