Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Among Juvenile Legal System-Involved Adolescent Girls: A Scoping Review
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Adolescents involved in the juvenile legal system (JLS) face an increased risk of experiencing self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs), especially at the intersections of race/ethnicity and gender-based inequities. This scoping review identifies rates of SITBs and their associated factors among JLS-involved adolescent girls (aged 12-17 years) while examining racial/ethnic differences in these rates and factors. METHOD: This study applies Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines to synthesize literature from 2014-2024 examining SITBs among JLS-involved adolescent girls. RESULTS: Across 17 reports (12 studies), findings highlight high rates of suicide attempts (15% to 48%), suicidal ideation (37% to 50%), and nonsuicidal self-injury (22% to 43%). Associated factors include mental health concerns and adverse childhood experiences, whereas limited research explores protective factors. DISCUSSION: This review highlights elevated SITBs among JLS-involved adolescent girls. Trauma-informed, culturally-responsive screening strategies in clinical settings and strengths-based approaches are discussed.
Source: Journal of Pediatric Health Care
Authors: Lilian G. Bravo, Kathryn M. Nowotny, Karina Gattamorta, Yannine Estrada, Juliane Martínez, Aleeza West, Marianne Gutiérrez, Rachel Russman, Jocelyn I. Meza
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,930
OpenAlex ID: W4414518567