Childhood Traumatization and Mental Health of Young OffendersIncarcerated in Punjab Prisons: Moderating Role of SelfRegulatory Efficacy

Amna Shafique and Farah Malik

Abstract

Very little research in Pakistan exists about the mental health of young offenders in prisons. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between childhood traumas, self-regulatory efficacy, and mental health in young offenders. It was hypothesized that childhood traumas would positively be correlated with psychological distress and negatively correlated with psychological well-being. Also, self-regulatory efficacy would moderate between childhood traumas and mental health. This was a correlational study with a cross-sectional research design. A purposive sample of 150 offenders (Mage=21, SD=1.88) was drawn from two District Jails in two cities of Punjab province, Pakistan. Results revealed that childhood traumas were positively correlated with psychological distress and negatively with psychological wellbeing; selfregulatory efficacy was positively correlated with psychological wellbeing and negatively with psychological distress; and the relationship between physical abuse and psychological wellbeing was moderated by self-regulatory efficacy. This study concludes with key recommendations for prison authorities and policymakers to manage mental health in prison settings.