An examination of the relationships between violence exposure, posttraumatic stress symptomatology, and delinquent activity: An "Ecopathological" model of delinquent behavior among incarcerated adolescents

The prevalence of violence exposure and PTSD symptomatology among a sample of incarcerated adolescents is compared with that among a matched sample of high school students. Adolescents who have come to the attention of the juvenile justice system have been exposed to significantly higher levels of sexual and community violence, and report significantly higher levels of PTSD symptomatology. Within the incarcerated group, adolescents who report higher levels of delinquent activity (in the form of gun possession and gang involvement) also report higher levels of some forms of violence exposure. Incarcerated youth with more serious delinquent histories displayed higher levels of PTSD symptomatology, as well.