Traumatic Brain Injury highly prevalent among young offenders
Youth Traumatic Brain Injuries or TBI is responsible for increasing convictions, offending violence and reoccurrence of offensive behavior. Its prevalence among young offenders warrants serious attention.
A blow in the head leading to Loss of Consciousness (LOC) explains a TBI occurrence. Violence is the main reason for TBI in young offenders, whereas, non-offenders risk TBI while playing sports or in falls.197 young male offenders from 11 to 19 years of age participated in a self-report study of four parameters, namely, head injury, metal health, history related to crime and use of drugs.
The study received an overwhelming response with 94% of participants willing to cooperate. TBI was reported by 46% subjects, a disturbing 14% increase above the higher threshold expected for societies (5% to 30%). Mental health problems and misuse of cannabis was greater. Repeat injuries occurred in one third offenders. Violence mounted with three or more TBIs.
In a previous study of TBI in adult prisoners, an interesting result found a direct relationship between TBI and imprisonment at a younger age. Higher TBI in society, 60% concussion and more re-offenses happened in adult group as well.
Both these studies were conducted by the same research group at University of Exeter's School of Psychology. TBI affects several regions of brain leading to problems in attention, memory, planning and other behavioral mishaps like anger management and impulse control.
Authorities can use this research to help in change of behavior among young offenders and assuage their repeated offending tendency. Already TBI screening and identification of risk prone offenders is done during their regular health assessments. Young offenders are more vulnerable towards a positive change during their adolescence.
This work is receiving wide encouragement at both the research level by research collaborator United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum (UKABIF) and funding level by concerns Big Lottery and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
However, it is not possible to determine if a brain injury increases propensity of offense. In fact a special interest group formed by The University of Exeter, UKABIF and The Child Brain Injury Trust addresses this question by focusing on screening criminals and providing necessary rehabilitation for the needy.