A framework for post-conviction traumatic stress: preliminary findings from a focus group of men under community supervision for sex offences

The Ripple Effects of Post-Conviction Traumatic Stress in People Required to Register as Sex Offenders and their Families

“…The psychological stress of re-entry and the impacts of Sex Offender Registration and Notification (SORN) laws for RSOs and their family members are generally overlooked (Bailey and Klein, 2018; Jeglic et al, 2011; Kavanagh and Levenson, 2022; Ten Bensel and Sample, 2018; Tewksbury and Levenson, 2009). This pilot study aims to empirically examine the theoretical construct of Post-Conviction Traumatic Stress (PCTS; Harris and Levenson, 2021, 2022) using a validated tool designed to measure Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as described in the 5 th Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).…”

“…Harris and Levenson (2021, 2022) introduced the concept of PCTS to capture the syndrome of cognitive, emotional, and physiological symptoms associated with exposure to a range of criminal justice system (CJS) experiences. In studies of persons involved with the CJS, many researchers have observed behaviors and characteristics that are symptomatic of PTSD (Harris & Levenson, 2021, 2022; Harris & Levenson, 2022; LeBel and Richie, 2018; Liem and Kunst, 2013; Pettus-Davis et al, 2019).…”

“…Harris and Levenson (2021, 2022) introduced the concept of PCTS to capture the syndrome of cognitive, emotional, and physiological symptoms associated with exposure to a range of criminal justice system (CJS) experiences. In studies of persons involved with the CJS, many researchers have observed behaviors and characteristics that are symptomatic of PTSD (Harris & Levenson, 2021, 2022; Harris & Levenson, 2022; LeBel and Richie, 2018; Liem and Kunst, 2013; Pettus-Davis et al, 2019). Drawing upon criminological theories of strain (Ackerman and Sacks, 2012; Agnew, 1992), labeling (Maruna et al, 2004; Mingus and Burchfield, 2012; Paternoster and Iovanni, 1989; Willis, 2017), and human needs (Maslow, 1943), Harris and Levenson (2021) applied PCTS specifically to RSOs, who are subject to considerable public stigma along with unique forms of monitoring and social exclusion.…”

“…LeBel and Richie (2018) observed that few researchers have utilized empirical methods to investigate PTSD in CJS-involved persons who report symptoms suggestive of the disorder. There is a need to collect data from CJS participants using validated empirical tools to measure PTSD symptoms and formulate an evidence-based construction of PCTS (Harris and Levenson, 2022; LeBel and Richie, 2018; Liem and Kunst, 2013).…”

“…CJS involvement (e.g., arrest, court proceedings, incarceration, probation/parole, and appearance on a sex offender registry) is known to be potentially traumatizing. This study represents the first attempt to validate the construct of PCTS (Harris and Levenson, 2021, 2022) using an existing measure of PTSD criteria. The study also aimed to understand the prevalence of PCTS and its presentation of symptoms for RSOs as well as their family members.…”