Self-harming behaviors and forensic system-related factors: an analysis of the Ontario review board database

Kaggwa, Mark Mohan; Chaimowitz, Gary Andrew; Erb, Bailea; Prat, Sébastien; Davids, Arianna; Moulden, Heather; Robbins, Amara; Bradford, John; Mamak, Mini; Olagunju, Andrew Toyin

doi:10.1186/s12888-023-05394-4

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 28 publications

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“…The study utilized data from individuals under the Ontario Review Board Database (ORB) in 2014 and 2015 [ 23 ]. The database was created to capture information from ORB reports for a defined period on study-specific items, including measures of ACEs, psychopathy, and self-harm [ 23 , 24 ]. The study will test the hypothesis that psychopathy mediates the effect of ACEs on self-harm.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adverse childhood events and self-harming behaviours among individuals in Ontario forensic system: the mediating role of psychopathy

Kaggwa,

Chaimowitz,

Erb

et al. 2024

BMC Psychiatry

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Background Adverse childhood events (ACEs), psychopathy, and self-harming behaviours are prevalent among individuals in the forensic psychiatry system. While existing literature suggests that ACEs, self-harm, and psychopathy are interrelated, little is known about the interplay of psychopathic traits in this relationship. The present study aimed to determine the mediating role of psychopathy in the relationship between ACEs and self-harming behaviours in forensic patients. Methods This was a retrospective study of patients under the Ontario Review Board (ORB) between 2014 and 2015. In the analysis, we included patients with complete data on ACEs, self-harming behaviours, and a Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) score - a measure of psychopathic traits and their severity conducted during the reporting period. Mediation analysis was based on the Baron and Kenny approach, and sensitivity analysis was performed based on the types of ACEs. Results The sample population (n = 593) was made up of adults, with a mean age of 41.21 (± 12.35) years and were predominantly males (92.37%). While there was a partial mediating effect of psychopathy on the relationship between ACEs and incidents of self-harming behaviours in the past year, the mediation was complete in the relationship between ACEs and a lifetime history of self-harming behaviours. Following sensitivity analysis based on the types of ACE, the mediating effects were more attributed to specific ACEs, especially having experienced child abuse or having an incarcerated household member before 18 years. Conclusion Among forensic patients in Ontario, psychopathy mediates the relationship between experiencing ACEs and engaging in self-harming behaviours. Effective intervention to mitigate self-harming behaviours in this population should consider the potential role of psychopathy, especially among individuals who have experienced ACEs involving a history of child abuse and a family who was incarcerated.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adverse childhood events and self-harming behaviours among individuals in Ontario forensic system: the mediating role of psychopathy

Kaggwa,

Chaimowitz,

Erb

et al. 2024

BMC Psychiatry

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Weapon use during the index offense: a study among forensic psychiatry patients in Ontario, Canada

Kaggwa,

Davids,

Mohibi

et al. 2024

Inj. Epidemiol.

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Background Understanding the nature and circumstances around the use of weapons to perpetrate an offense among individuals with mental illness is crucial for evidence-informed policies and actions. However, little is known about the prevalence and factors associated with weapon use during index offenses among patients in the forensic system. Therefore, the present study was designed to address this gap and determine the prevalence and the patient and victim characteristics associated with weapon use during the index offense in a Canadian province. Methods This retrospective exploratory study utilized data extracted from the Ontario Review Board reports of 2014/15. Data was analyzed using Stata, and logistic regression was employed to determine the factors associated with weapon use. Results Approximately half (48.11%) of the individuals included in this analysis (n = 819) used weapons during their index offense as an instrument of violence. Both patient-related and victim-related factors had a statistically significant association with weapon use during index offenses. Specifically, two patient-related factors (including a history of hospitalization prior to the index offense and diagnosis of personality disorder) were associated with lower odds of weapon use during the index offense. However, only prior hospitalization remained statistically significant after adjusting for victims’ factors. Victim-related factors were associated with both lower and higher odds of weapon use during the index offense. The highest odds of weapon use were found if the victim was an extended family member of the patient, followed by sibling, lover/partner/spouse, parent, and then adult acquaintance. The odds of weapon use during the index offense were lower if victims were healthcare workers, law enforcement professionals, and females when compared to adult strangers. Conclusion The study highlights the significant role of both patients’ and victims’ characteristics as important factors associated with weapon use during index offenses among forensic patients. Notably, prior hospitalization emerged as a crucial factor with a reduced likelihood of weapon use. Implicitly, this underscores the importance of risk mitigation strategies.

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Self-harming behaviors and forensic system-related factors: an analysis of the Ontario review board database

Cited by 2 publications

References 28 publications

Adverse childhood events and self-harming behaviours among individuals in Ontario forensic system: the mediating role of psychopathy

Adverse childhood events and self-harming behaviours among individuals in Ontario forensic system: the mediating role of psychopathy

Weapon use during the index offense: a study among forensic psychiatry patients in Ontario, Canada

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