Exploring the Relationship between Childhood Trauma, Mental Illness, and Substance Abuse among Incarcerated Individuals

Author(s)	Frank Kudjonu, Vivianne Akosua Adu Boakye, Mitchell Srahah, Gifty Agyeiwaa Akomea
Country	Australia
Abstract	The study is concerned with the relationship between childhood trauma, mental disorder, and substance use among inmates. Guided by Trauma Theory and the Self-Medication Hypothesis, a mixed-methods cross-sectional design was adopted. The information was collected from 422 inmates using validated tools such as ACE Questionnaire, PHQ-9, GAD-7, and WHO ASSIST, along with qualitative interviews. Results showed that 86% had been exposed to at least one traumatic event and 62% to three or more, including physical abuse, neglect, and witnessing violence. Mental illnesses—depression (68%), anxiety (52%), and PTSD (31%)—were very common, while 58% met criteria for substance use disorder. There were significant correlations between trauma, mental illness (r = 0.61, p < 0.01), and substance use (χ² = 24.8, p < 0.001), with mental illness mediating between them. The study indicates that early trauma is a significant origin of later mental illness and addiction problems, repeating cycles of incarceration. It promotes trauma-informed and holistic rehabilitative approaches to guide effective correctional reform.
Keywords	Childhood trauma, mental illness, substance abuse, incarceration, rehabilitation
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 6, November-December 2025
Published On	2025-12-10
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.60499

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