Childhood adversities and post-military-service incarceration in a male UK Armed Forces Veteran sample from Northern Ireland

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY Experiencing stressful or traumatic events in childhood has been linked with negative outcomes later in adulthood, one of which is involvement with the criminal justice system. This study explored whether there was a relationship between experiencing stressful life events in childhood and incarceration in adulthood (post-military service) among UK Armed Forces Veterans based in Northern Ireland (NI). Some individuals may experience only one type of adversity, some may experience many types of adversities, and others may experience no adversity. This study used a statistical technique (latent class analysis) that allowed the authors to explore how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) varied among a sample of UK Armed Forces Veterans residing in NI. It revealed four groups of Veterans, each characterized by different types of experiences in childhood. The authors explored whether belonging to these groups increased the likelihood of incarceration, finding that those who experienced multiple adversities were at greater risk of incarceration after military service. Personnel involved in the care and support of military personnel should consider military personnel’s history of multiple ACEs.