Trauma as a Responsivity Factor Among Detained Adolescents Using the Structured-Trauma Related Experience and Symptoms Screener (Stress)

Holly Kaufman, Fordham University

Abstract

This study utilized a prospective approach to investigate trauma reactions as a responsivity factor consistent with the Risk-Need-Responsivity Model. Specifically, the study examined the ability of the SAVRY Total Risk score to predict future juvenile court cases, the ability of trauma reactions to add incremental validity to the predictive validity of the SAVRY, and trauma reactions as a moderator of the relationship between SAVRY Total Risk score and future juvenile court cases. The sample was comprised of 345 youth who were admitted to one of two juvenile detention facilities in the state of Connecticut. The study addressed gaps in the literature by examining a specific set of mental health symptoms as potential responsivity factors, as opposed to mental health more broadly. Consistent with previous research, the SAVRY Total Risk significantly predicted future juvenile court cases. Consistent with the RNR model, trauma reactions did not add incremental validity to the SAVRY Total Risk score in prediction of future juvenile court cases. Finally, trauma reactions did not operate as a moderator of the relationship between SAVRY Total Risk score and recidivism. Therefore, the study did not support trauma reactions as a specific responsivity factor consistent with the RNR model. This study has implications for how the juvenile justice system might approach treatment for youth with trauma reaction symptoms.

Subject Area

Clinical psychology

Recommended Citation

Kaufman, Holly, "Trauma as a Responsivity Factor Among Detained Adolescents Using the Structured-Trauma Related Experience and Symptoms Screener (Stress)" (2019). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI13427195.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI13427195

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