Staff perceptions of the link between complex trauma and offending behaviour in the youth justice population

Pearce, Jennifer 2016. Staff perceptions of the link between complex trauma and offending behaviour in the youth justice population. ClinPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Introduction: The link between experiences of childhood trauma and youth offending behaviour is well documented. However, the relationship between trauma and offending is complex and few studies have examined the mechanisms that might account for this link. Youth Offending Team (YOT) staff work closely with many young people who have experienced traumas, which may allow them to gain a unique insight into these links. They also have the ability to significantly influence a young person’s future; therefore, an understanding of their perceptions of this cohort is critical. Consequently, this study aimed to obtain a detailed understanding of YOT staff’s knowledge and perceptions of the trauma-offending pathway. Methodology: Ten YOT workers from three YOTs in South Wales engaged in semi-structured interviews. Data was collected and thematically analysed, drawing on Constructivist Grounded Theory principles. Results: Three key themes were identified; ‘Staff perceptions of the mechanisms linking trauma and offending’, ‘Exits from offending’ and ‘The role of YOS and other services’ in supporting these young people. Discussion: This study helped bridge the gap between child welfare and juvenile justice research. It is argued that understanding the mechanisms that exacerbate or mitigate the link between trauma and offending can improve outcomes for young people and wider society. This study provides a detailed understanding of staff perceptions of the links between trauma and offending behaviour, which can help guide our understanding and inform future practice and research in the trauma-offending field.

Item Type:	Thesis (DClinPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Trauma Youth offending Staff Offending behaviour
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	6 September 2016
Date of Acceptance:	6 September 2016
Last Modified:	10 Dec 2022 02:12
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/94202

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