Variables Associated with Treatment Outcome in a Sample of Female Offenders

ABSTRACT

Using discriminant analysis, data collected from incarcerated female substance abusers (N = 100) are examined to explore the relationship between substance abuse and trauma. Participants were identified as belonging to one of three groups: incarcerated females waiting substance abuse treatment (n = 36); incarcerated females who have completed substance abuse treatment (n = 43); and, incarcerated females who did not complete substance abuse treatment (n = 21). Three variables associated with measures of emotional issues (depression, self esteem, and post traumatic stress disorder) and three demographic/background variables (history of domestic violence, prior substance abuse treatment, and prior criminal charges) were identified as having the strongest potential to discriminate between offenders who completed treatment and those who did not enter or did not complete treatment. Implications of these findings for determining treatment needs are discussed.

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