Gender Differences in Externalizing and Internalizing Disorders throughout the Inmate Population, and the Role of Trauma in their Development

• In Event: Marginalization, Strain, and Mental Health in Life-Course Criminology

Abstract

The prevalence of both trauma and mental illness is exceedingly high throughout the inmate population. Further, trauma has been shown to be an influential factor in the development of mental illness, as well as the pathway to criminal behavior. While significant differences between genders are present for each of these dimensions, few studies have examined such variances. This study aims to examine gender differences in externalizing and internalizing disorders throughout the inmate population, as well as the role of trauma in their development. Data from the National Comorbidity Survey will be utilized. This data source examines changes in mental disorders, substance use disorders, and predictors and consequences of such changes of 5,001 individuals over a ten-year span. Conclusions of this study will be able to be implemented for prevention and treatment practices that are gender-specific and relate to the many dimensions of trauma and mental health throughout the inmate population.

Author

• Amber Krushas, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee