Understanding Childhood Victimization Experiences and Mental Health
Outcomes in a Sample of Prison Inmates in Northern Chile
- Cristián Pinto-Cortez,
- Diego Portilla-Saavedra,
- Diego Arias,
- Rodrigo Ferrer-Urbina,
- Marjorie Rojas,
- Javiera Carvajal,
- Álvaro Zamora,
- Elizabeth Suárez-Soto
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated a relationship between childhood
victimization and negative mental health outcomes among individuals
deprived of liberty. However, these studies have generally focused on
physical abuse or sexual abuse and have been conducted in developed
countries. Based on this background, the present study aimed to explore
the associations between different forms of childhood victimization and
psychological distress in a sample of individuals deprived of liberty in
northern Chile. Data from 229 participants in a high-security prison
facility were used. Six modules of
victimization were included, such as conventional crimes, caregiver
victimization, peer victimization, sexual
victimization, and indirect victimization. Correlation analyses and
multiple hierarchical regression were conducted to measure the
associations between the variables of interest and psychological
distress.
Overall, different forms of victimization were associated with all
evaluated symptomatology. In a more detailed analysis, it was found that
gender, caregiver victimization, and sexual victimization had the
greatest predictive weight on adult mental health problems among
individuals deprived of liberty. From a social reintegration
perspective,
these findings could provide the necessary theoretical basis for
increased investment in mental health for the incarcerated population in
Chile.
Considering that many of these individuals may have been exposed to
experiences of victimization in their childhood, it becomes crucial to
prioritize their mental well-being as part of their rehabilitation
process. It is necessary to continue deepening the understanding of
these
phenomena through studies considering the high prevalence of mental
health problems among individuals in correctional systems.