Psychological distress among victimized women on probation and parole: A latent class analysis

Women's Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence While Incarcerated: The Measurement Structure, Reliability, and Validity of a Novel Instrument

While incarcerated, women may continue to experience intimate partner violence (IPV), perpetrated by partners who reside in the outside community. Power and control dynamics of abusive relationships may intensify as the abuser exploits their partners' incarceration. The current study assessed IPV experiences of 832 incarcerated women (50% white, 76% mothers), testing a novel instrument. Results validated a two-factor structure: (a) general abuse (i.e., verbal, physical) and (b) deny or threaten to deny (i.e., leveraging the women's incarceration to intimidate or control). This study introduces a novel instrument to measure IPV while incarcerated and provides implications for research and practice.

Examining Correlates of Substance Use Treatment Needs for Adults Under Community Supervision

Substance use among criminal justice-involved adults is a significant concern for the rehabilitation and reintegration into their communities. Few have examined broader associations with substance use among those in probation or parole (community supervision) using an assessment of risks and needs with a representative sample. Using an assessment based on risk-need-responsivity principles, this research applies negative binomial analyses to examine sociodemographic, criminal, and other problem-area correlates of substance use risks and needs among a statewide dataset of adults in community supervision. Results indicated that mental health risk/need was the strongest predictor of substance use risk/need. Other risk areas, including criminal thinking, employment/education, and the presence of delinquent associates (peers/family) were associated with substance use. Implications highlight the ongoing call to develop integrated models of care that treat co-occurring disorders among adults in supervision. Additionally, diversion-oriented efforts that prevent adults with complex treatment needs from reentering the justice system are discussed.

Reexploring Female Pathways to Incarceration: Assessing the Role of Mental Illness

The pathways framework represents an emerging body of work that emphasizes gendered-based influences on crime and incarceration. To date, studies on female pathways often minimize or exclude the role of mental illness. The current study employs Life Course Theory and the use of Life History Calendar to examine the pathways of a sample of 15 female prison inmates diagnosed with serious and persistent mental health conditions. Findings indicate that mental illness carried criminogenic risk throughout the life course, with crucial transitions of risk leading these women toward long term incarceration. Self-reported pathways included repeated victimization, substance use, psychological trauma, delinquency, and/or crime. This study suggests that the pathway framework would benefit from the increased recognition of the role of mental illness on female criminality. Trauma-informed policy implications are provided and discussed.

The stories of eight women managed by a community rehabilitation company during the Covid-19 pandemic

This study explores the stories of eight women supervised by probation during the first national lockdown in the United Kingdom in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Probation quickly implemented an exceptional delivery model to protect the health and safety of staff and service users. Covid-19 has highlighted societal disparities across the world, it can be suggested that this has hugely impacted the lives of women and further extending the gender inequality gap. Although acknowledging that this is a small-scale study, it does provide a platform for women to voice and share their experiences of both problematic challenges encountered and the opportunities embraced during the first national lockdown. Firstly, the importance of supervisory relationships kept women feeling connected, emotionally supported and provided a source for practical advice. Secondly, the experiences of lockdown were felt differently dependant on the vulnerabilities and complexities of women; in short, the greater the priority need the more issues and obstacles women encountered. Thirdly, remote probation supervision was regarded as the safest and appropriate way to approach the unchartered waters of Covid-19. And finally, there was shared optimism to return to 'normal' face-to-face supervision, re-engage with services that had been paused or interrupted to aid recovery and rehabilitation.

Clinical indicators related to the nursing diagnosis "Post-trauma syndrome" in women victims of violence: A systematic review with meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Identifying a nursing diagnosis to support women victims of violence is challenging for nurses.

OBJECTIVE

To identify clinical indicators related to the nursing diagnosis Post-trauma syndrome in women victims of violence.

METHODS

A systematic review to estimate diagnostic accuracy indices was conducted. The review was registered on the Prospective International Registry of Systematic Reviews approved with the register CDR42020222474.

RESULTS

Twelve clinical indicators were investigated: depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, alcohol abuse, stress overload, illicit drug use, body image disorder, paranoid ideation, hostility, somatic symptoms, insomnia, binge eating, and obesity. The six articles included in the quantitative synthesis provided four clinical indicators feasible for statistical analysis: depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, somatic symptoms, and stress overload.

CONCLUSION

The study addresses the need for refinements in the nursing diagnoses related to violence against women. The identification of the nursing diagnosis Post-trauma syndrome in nursing practice enables the development of standardized and effective care plans for women victimized by violence.

Longitudinal transitions in patterns of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and psychological distress among South Korean adults with traumatic experiences

This study aimed to investigate transitions in patterns of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and psychological distress among South Koreans with traumatic experiences. This study consists of two parts: In Part 1 the time since trauma ranged between 0 and 41 years, while in Part 2 participants experienced at least one traumatic event within the previous three years. We identified subgroups and transitions between classes over a one-year period using latent profile analysis and latent transition analysis. First, in Part 1, four classes were identified at T1 and T2. Second, we explored whether age, sex, time since trauma, and time perspective (TP) predicted class membership at T1. Age, past-negative (PN), present-fatalistic, and future TPs were significant predictors of class membership at T1. Finally, sex, PN, and future TPs were identified as significant predictors of class transition over time. The same analysis was conducted in Part 2 with individuals chosen from the Part 1 participants. Differential effects of TP on class membership and transitions in PTSD symptoms and psychological distress indicated the need for intervention programs that consider the TP profiles of individuals with traumatic experiences.

An examination of abstinence social support among recovery home residents with psychiatric comorbidity

BACKGROUND

Although social support is a resource that helps persons in their recovery from substance use disorders, it is not clear whether specific types buffer the effects of stress and optimize outcomes for those with psychiatric comorbidity. This investigation examined two types of social support in relation to lengths of stay to identify mechanisms related to retention among individuals with psychiatric comorbidity living in community-based settings.

METHODS

Baseline rates of social support (abstinence specific and general types) and stress were examined in relation to follow-up lengths of stay (at four-months and beyond) among individuals (N = 368) with psychiatric comorbidity (n = 90) and no psychiatric comorbidity (n = 278) living in community-based settings (Oxford Houses) in the U.S. The psychiatric severity index of the Addiction Severity Index was used as a proxy measure of psychiatric comorbidity. Moderated mediation analyses were conducted to test the potential mediating effects of abstinence social support and general social support on the relationship between stress and lengths of stay, and whether these were influenced by psychiatric comorbidity.

RESULTS

A full mediating effect was observed for abstinence social support for residents with psychiatric comorbidity, whereas a partial mediating effect for general social support was observed for all residents.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings demonstrate qualities of social support have differential effects, substantiating the notion that specific components of social support optimize outcomes for those with psychiatric comorbidity living in recovery homes.

Correlates of substance use in pregnant women under community supervision after conviction for a criminal offence: The role of psychological distress

BACKGROUND

Being pregnant while under community supervision after conviction for a criminal offence can be a highly stressful experience, and pregnant women under community supervision are at an elevated risk for substance use.

AIMS/HYPOTHESES

To test for relationships between psychological distress and use of tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana during the month prior to a research assessment among pregnant women under community supervision, controlling for demographic characteristics.

METHODS

Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health were aggregated for the years 2008-2016, inclusive. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine correlates of past-month use of each substance.

RESULTS

Of all 505,796 people in the survey, 6,974 were pregnant women of whom 280 reported being under community supervision for a criminal offence; relevant data were available for 271 of these cases. The pregnant women under community supervision reported higher rates of past-month substance use of each kind and of psychological distress than pregnant women not under community supervision. Past-month serious psychological distress, but not remitted psychological distress, corresponded strongly with past-month alcohol use even when controlling for demographic characteristics and other substance use.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings add to the very sparse literature about a group of women likely to be exceptionally vulnerable during pregnancy and underscore the importance of screening for symptoms of substance use and of psychological distress amongst them. Among women under community supervision, alcohol use was less likely in the second or third trimester than the first, but as those using alcohol were more likely to report past month psychological distress, it may be important to provide additional resources and treatment services for these women.

Identifying distinctive psychological symptom profiles among a nationally representative sample of refugees resettled in Australia

OBJECTIVE

The number of refugees worldwide is unprecedented in recent history. Little is known, however, about profiles of psychological symptoms following persecution and displacement.

METHODS

This study reports on a latent class analysis that identified profiles of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety symptoms in a nationally representative sample of 1625 refugees in Australia. The association between specific symptom profiles, exposure to potentially traumatic events and post-migration stressors, and overall health and help-seeking was examined.

RESULTS

Latent class analysis yielded an optimal five-class solution. These classes comprised the Pervasive Symptom class (19.2%), the High PTSD Symptom class (17.1%), the High Depression/Anxiety Symptom class (16.4%), the Moderate PTSD Symptom class (16.2%) and the Low Symptom class (31.1%). Participants in the symptomatic classes were more likely to be female, older and report greater post-migration stressors than those in the Low Symptom class. In addition, individuals in classes characterized by PTSD symptoms had been exposed to more types of potentially traumatic events. Membership in symptomatic classes was associated with poorer overall heath and greater help-seeking.

CONCLUSION

Qualitatively distinct symptom profiles were observed in a nationally representative sample of refugees. In addition to a group of people who reported high symptoms across psychological disorders and may warrant clinical intervention, we identified two subclinical classes who may be missed by existing diagnostic classification systems. Post-migration stressors play an important role in influencing refugee symptom profiles over and above exposure to potentially traumatic events. Clinicians should consider specific symptom profiles and contextual factors when planning interventions with refugees.

Co-Occurring Substance Use, PTSD, and IPV Victimization: Implications for Female Offender Services

The co-occurrence of substance use disorders (SUDs) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among women who have been the victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) is complex and causal associations cannot be assumed. Although the presence of co-occurring disorders among IPV victims is a well-established research finding, there is a need for improved understanding of their prevalence and related mental health treatment requirements among female offenders. We review research indicating that service providers working with IPV victims can expect to encounter women with extensive concurrent problems and examine evidence for integrated treatment for SUD, PTSD, and IPV. We propose an outline for assessing and treating SUD and PTSD among female offenders who have experienced IPV victimization. We intend this review to build on previous calls in the co-occurring disorders literature and help integrate the research and treatment evaluation literatures in a way that points to practical implications for policy and practice in female offender services.

Salivary Biomarkers of Parenting Stress in Mothers Under Community Criminal Justice Supervision

BACKGROUND

Community criminal justice supervised mothers are an underserved population who experience high rates of psychological distress and unique parenting challenges, but little is known about physiological stress system function in this population.

OBJECTIVE

We tested the salivary biomarkers of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function as predictors of subjective maternal stress.

METHOD

We recruited 23 mothers (age: M = 35.6 years, SD = 9.3 years; 35% Hispanic, 22% Black, 22% White, 22% multiracial) who were court mandated to a residential treatment center. We measured salivary alpha-amylase (AA) and cortisol, which index SNS and HPA activity, respectively, before and after a naturalistic reminder of a stressful parenting experience. We assessed self-reported parenting stress using the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF) subscales Parental Distress, Parent-Child Dysfunctional Interactions, and Difficult Child. We used regression to test AA and cortisol mean levels and reactivity as predictors of subscale scores.

RESULTS

Mean, but not reactive, salivary stress biomarker levels were associated with parenting stress domains. Mean cortisol levels predicted scores on the Parent-Child Dysfunctional Interaction subscale (adj. R = .48), whereas mean AA predicted Difficult Child subscale scores (adj. R = .28).

DISCUSSION

Our results demonstrate the potential predictive utility of AA and cortisol as salivary biomarkers of maternal stress in community-supervised mothers. Given that maternal stress is associated with criminal recidivism and child behavioral health in this population, these biomarkers could potentially inform interventions to improve dyadic health and social outcomes.

An Integrative Review of Nurse-Authored Research to Improve Health Equity and Human Rights for Criminal-Justice-Involved People

BACKGROUND

An estimated 10 million people are incarcerated internationally, including 2.1 million people in the United States. Criminal justice involvement is a social determinant of individual and family health disparities. Health care in correctional and forensic psychiatric facilities is nurse driven. The unique contributions of nurse authors to the research literature on health equity and humane conditions for this population have not been aggregated, nor have the nursing research gaps in this area been systematically identified. This article determines the volume and country location of nurse-authored research in this area and analyzes the research by population (prisons, jails, community supervision, forensic psychiatry), clinical foci, and research methods.

METHODS

We conducted an integrative review of research literature published in English between 1990 and 2017.

RESULTS

Our search revealed 283 data-based articles written by 349 nurse authors, representing Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South Americas. Most research occurred in prisons (53.3%) and focused on mental health/substance use (32.5%), infectious disease (21.6%), or correctional health services (15.6%). Almost one third of articles across clinical foci sampled nurses, not patients.

IMPLICATIONS

Although there is clearly a cadre of nurse researchers working in this area, it remains a relatively small group focused most closely on mental health, infectious disease, and the correctional nursing experience. Gaps and opportunities for important nursing contributions remain, especially in reproductive health, meeting the needs of community-supervised people, and explicitly connecting this work with its human rights implications.

The association between psychosocial and structural-level stressors and HIV injection drug risk behavior among Malaysian fishermen: A cross-sectional study

Background

Malaysian fishermen have been identified as a key-affected HIV population with HIV rates 10 times higher than national rates. A number of studies have identified that psychosocial and structural-level stressors increase HIV injection drug risk behaviors. The purpose of this paper is to examine psychosocial and structural-level stressors of injection drug use and HIV injection drug risk behaviors among Malaysian fishermen.

Methods

The study employs a cross-sectional design using respondent driven sampling methods. The sample includes 406 fishermen from Pahang state, Malaysia. Using multivariate logistic regressions, we examined the relationship between individual (depression), social (adverse interactions with the police), and structural (poverty-related) stressors and injection drug use and risky injection drug use (e.g.., receptive and non-receptive needle sharing, frontloading and back-loading, or sharing drugs from a common container).

Results

Participants below the poverty line had significantly lower odds of injection drug use (OR 0.52, 95 % CI: 0.27-0.99, p = 0.047) and risky injection drug use behavior (OR 0.48, 95 % CI: 0.25-0.93, p = 0.030). In addition, participants with an arrest history had higher odds of injection use (OR 19.58, 95 % CI: 9.81-39.10, p < 0.001) and risky injection drug use (OR 16.25, 95 % CI: 4.73-55.85, p < 0.001). Participants with depression had significantly higher odds of engaging in risky injection drug use behavior (OR 3.26, 95 % 1.39-7.67, p = 0.007). Focusing on participants with a history of injection drug use, we found that participants with depression were significantly more likely to engage in risky drug use compared to participants below the depression cutoff (OR 3.45, 95 % CI: 1.23-9.66, p < 0.02).

Conclusions

Findings underscore the need to address psychosocial and structural-level stressors among Malaysian fishermen to reduce HIV injection drug risk behaviors.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3125-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.