Childhood Trauma, Mental Health, and Crime Commission among Persons Deprived of Liberty in a Selected City Jail: Toward a Trauma-Informed Intervention Program

Authors

• Gerardo SJ. Gonzales Jr., Polytechnic University of the PhilippinesFollow
• Elmer G. De Jose, Polytechnic University of the PhilippinesFollow

Keywords

childhood trauma, crime commission, mental health, PersonsDeprived of Liberty, trauma-informed care

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between childhood trauma and mental health among Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the Philippine jail system, focusing on Baliuag City Jail, Region III. It also examines whether significant differences in trauma and mental health exist across crime categories. While trauma-crime linkages are widely studied in Western contexts, research remains limited within Philippine jail/correctional settings. Grounded in General Strain Theory and supported by Social Learning Theory, Differential Association Theory, and Trauma-Informed Care Model, the study uses a descriptive correlational and comparative research design. A stratified sample of 212 PDLs completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-SF) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale–21 (DASS-21). Results show that while reports of sexual, emotional, and physical abuse were limited, high rates of emotional neglect (41%) and physical neglect (62.3%) were observed. Despite generally normative mental health scores, 17% and 20.3% of respondents showed signs of depression and anxiety, respectively. Correlational analysis revealed significant positive relationships between trauma and mental health, particularly between physical neglect and depression (r = .551, p < .001) and emotional abuse and stress (r = .539, p < .001). MANOVA results indicated statistically significant differences in trauma and mental health scores across crime types. The study recommends integrating trauma-informed care into rehabilitation programs. It proposes Bagong Pilipinas: Pagbangon at Pag-asa sa pamamagitan ng Trauma-Informed na Programa, a national initiative to train jail personnel, expand mental health services, and foster supportive, rehabilitative correctional environments throughout the Philippine jail and prison system.

Recommended Citation

Gonzales, Gerardo SJ. Jr. and De Jose, Elmer G. (2026) "Childhood Trauma, Mental Health, and Crime Commission among Persons Deprived of Liberty in a Selected City Jail: Toward a Trauma-Informed Intervention Program," Social Sciences and Development Review: Vol. 18: No. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://scholar.pup.edu.ph/ssdr/vol18/iss1/6