Emotional and Behavioral Outcomes of Adverse and Traumatic Experiences Among Justice-Involved Individuals: Future Directions for Treatment

A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Psychiatric, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 22

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Interests: violence prevention; criminal psychology; psychology of adolescence; behavioral psychology; youth development; addiction psychology; clinical health psychology

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Interests: childhood traumatic experiences and attachment; personality traits; psychological distress; behavioral addictions; adolescents and young adults; path analysis and SEM

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Justice-involved individuals, including those who are incarcerated, on probation, or otherwise entangled within the criminal justice system, frequently endure a wide range of adverse and traumatic experiences. These experiences often begin in early childhood, with many facing maltreatment, neglect, or abuse. As they progress through life, they may encounter further trauma, such as exposure to community violence, domestic violence, or systemic injustices. The cumulative impact of these traumas can have profound and long-lasting effects on their emotional and behavioral well-being. Among the most common long-term consequences are mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Behavioral challenges like aggression, impulsiveness, and involvement in substance use disorders are also prevalent, creating a cycle of maladaptive coping mechanisms and criminal behavior. This Special Issue aims to highlight strategies for mitigating the effects of trauma and promote interventions that address mental health, support rehabilitation, and facilitate reintegration for justice-involved individuals. We welcome a diverse array of research: exploratory and intervention studies, quantitative and qualitative research, original research articles, and reviews. By fostering collaboration, the goal is to advance our understanding of how tailored care can break the cycle of trauma and criminality, improving outcomes for individuals and communities.

Dr. Valeria Saladino
Dr. Danilo Calaresi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • trauma
  • adverse experiences
  • justice-involved individuals
  • criminal psychology
  • emotional outcomes
  • behavioral outcomes
  • intervention strategies
  • mental health treatments

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Published Papers

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