Profiles of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and psychosocial adjustment in South Korea: Comparison between probation and non-probation youth.

BACKGROUND: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are risk factors affecting adolescent psychosocial adjustment. Youth involved in the juvenile justice system are more likely to have ACEs, but few studies have investigated this topic outside the western context. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to (1) compare latent profiles of ACEs among probation and non-probation youth in South Korea and (2) examine which profiles pose the greatest risk of maladaptive psychosocial adjustment (offline risk-taking, online risk-taking, school adjustment, and happiness). PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: South Korean data adopting survey questions from the Fourth International Self-Report Delinquency Study was analyzed. Adolescents with complete information on regression covariates were included (non-probation: 1846/probation: 368). METHODS: Latent profile analysis was utilized to identify distinctive patterns of ACEs. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression were performed to predict the maladjustment experiences of each latent subgroup. RESULTS: Four ACE profiles emerged for probation and non-probation samples. Three profiles were common (i.e., emotional/physical abuse, emotional neglect, high maltreatment/domestic violence) and one profile was unique (high maltreatment with family dysfunction for the probation sample; moderate maltreatment for the non-probation sample). In the probation sample, compared to the emotional neglect group, the other three profiles showed poorer adjustment in at least one domain. In the non-probation sample, profiles with high emotional/physical abuse and high maltreatment/family dysfunction had poorer outcomes than the emotional neglect group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate the need for a comprehensive approach toward adolescents and their family environments for preventing delinquency and promoting positive youth adjustment.

Statewide Trends of Trauma History, Suicidality, and Mental Health Among Youth Entering the Juvenile Justice System.

PURPOSE: This study used Washington statewide administrative data to document the prevalence and trend of trauma history, suicidality, and mental health problems among all youth ordered to probation for the first time between 2011 and 2015. We also examined the extent to which trauma and mental health problems were associated with youth suicide risk during this time. METHODS: More than 16,500 youth started probation (2011-2015) and received a standardized risk assessment. We used descriptive statistics to assess the prevalence of trauma history, suicidality, mental health problems, and overall risk to reoffend. We then used multilevel logistic regression models (youth within counties) to assess each measure's association with suicidality. RESULTS: About 80% of the youth had a history of at least one traumatic experience. As fewer youth started probation for the first time each year, the prevalence of trauma, suicidality, mental health problems, and overall risk to reoffend increased. Trauma, mental health, and overall risk were significantly associated with suicide risk among probation youth. CONCLUSIONS: This epidemiological study is expected to motivate discussion around the best ways to integrate trauma-informed care and suicide prevention in the juvenile justice system.

Trauma History and PTSD Symptoms in Juvenile Offenders on Probation.

Detained and incarcerated juveniles are found to have heightened rates of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Less is known about probation youth, who represent the majority of juveniles in the criminal justice system. This study examined trauma history and PTSD and associations with behavioral health problems among 13-17 year-old juveniles on probation (N=61). Most (93%) reported at least one traumatic event, and 12% met diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms were associated with mental health problems but not substance use or risky sexual behavior. Findings underscore the importance of addressing trauma history in probation youth.