Drug Use and Self-Harming Behavior Among Incarcerated Men: Does Childhood Abuse, Anger, and Executive Function Make a Difference?

Taşören A. B.

Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma, vol.26, no.9, pp.1006-1023, 2017 (SSCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 26 Issue: 9
  • Publication Date: 2017
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/10926771.2017.1346028
  • Journal Name: Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1006-1023
  • Keywords: Anger, childhood abuse, drug use, executive function, incarcerated individuals, self-harm
  • Istanbul Medipol University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Childhood abuse, anger, drug-related problems, and self-harm are commonly seen among incarcerated individuals. Forty-three young incarcerated males from an Istanbul prison were assessed for childhood abuse, anger, drug use, self-harming behavior, and executive function (EF). Further, 58% of the sample was using drugs, and 60.5% showed self-harming behavior. Performing a backward stepwise binary logistic regression model, it was found that the likelihood of using drugs was determined by EF measured by the Trail Making Test form A, childhood abuse, anger, and self-harm. On the other hand, self-harm was determined by childhood abuse, anger, and drug use.