Shannon Lynch
Professor of Psychology, Idaho State University
Key Findings
- Detained juveniles demonstrated high rates of exposure to adversity and substance use.
- Detained juvenile girls reported higher levels of adversity and substance use compared to male peers.
- Cumulative ACEs and substance use were significant predictors of reoffending among all juveniles.
- Girls with higher levels of ACEs were more likely to engage in substance use and re-offend compared to boys.
- Rates of reoffending did not differ significantly by gender.
Description
In the article, “c,” Shannon Lynch and her co-author examine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), substance use severity, reoffending, and gender differences among rural incarcerated youth. The researchers utilized records from 417 juveniles who offended between 2016 and 2019 across six rural counties. The results showed that detained juveniles demonstrated high rates of exposure to adversity and substance use. Detained juvenile girls reported higher levels of adversity and substance use compared to male peers. Cumulative ACEs and substance use were significant predictors of reoffending among all juveniles. Girls with higher levels of ACEs were more likely to engage in substance use and re-offend compared to boys. However, the rates of reoffending did not differ significantly by gender. The researchers theorized that substance use may serve as a coping mechanism for traumatic experiences, leading youth to engage in substance use behaviors to alleviate psychological distress associated with victimization. The researchers underscore the importance of understanding adversity and substance use to provide more effective treatment and risk of reoffending for youth offenders.