Attachment disorders and mental health issues in young offenders
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Attachment disorders, maltreatment and mental health in an imprisoned young offender population.
IRAS ID
249588
Contact name
Kate Moran
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
The association between child maltreatment, mental health problems and violence/criminality is well known, yet the approach to young offenders is risk, rather than mental health, focused. Attachment disorders are caused by maltreatment, and are associated with psychopathology and difficulties relating to others. We have demonstrated a high prevalence of attachment disorders (52%) and other mental health problems in a youth justice population. Maltreated children are at much higher risk of having complex neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism and ADHD, suggesting a profile of young offenders that is more complex than previously realised. These young people are poorly understood, with implications for management and there is a dearth of research in this area.
The study will explore the rates of attachment disorders and other mental health problems among incarcerated young offenders and explore correlations with the number and type of offence, to better understand and improve management of these young people.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
18/WS/0200
Date of REC Opinion
11 Jan 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion