Health Implications of Trauma in Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Black Adults: Insights from an Integrative Review

Background and Purpose: Traumatic experiences can profoundly impact the nervous system, resulting in enduring adverse health consequences. In the United States, Black adults who are currently incarcerated or have been formerly incarcerated report elevated levels of trauma exposure, positioning them at heightened risk for adverse mental and behavioral health outcomes. This review aims to synthesize evidence from the literature on the health impacts of trauma among incarcerated or formerly incarcerated Black adults, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions.

Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted, encompassing studies published between 2001 and 2023. The search encompassed multiple databases including ProQuest, APA PsycINFO, and ERIC, utilizing structured search terms to ensure comprehensive coverage. We selected studies that examined the relationship between trauma exposure and mental and behavioral health outcomes among incarcerated or formerly incarcerated Black adults, with methodological quality assessed via the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice model. The synthesis of findings adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results: The review included fifteen studies, comprising eight cross-sectional, six longitudinal, and one qualitative study. The World Health Organization’s Composite International Diagnostic Interview was predominantly used to assess trauma exposure. Trauma exposure significantly impacted health outcomes, with a substantial majority of the studies (93.3%) linking it to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Behavioral health impacts, including substance use disorders like cannabis and alcohol dependency, were also significant but less frequently reported (46.6%).

Conclusions and Implications: The association between trauma exposure and negative mental and behavioral health outcomes is pronounced among Black adults with current or past incarceration experiences. Notably, while existing research primarily focuses on mental health, there remains a substantial gap in understanding the full spectrum of behavioral and physical health consequences. This review highlights a critical need for further research to explore these dimensions comprehensively. Such insights are vital for developing and implementing targeted interventions that effectively address the complex trauma-related health needs of this population, both within carceral settings and following their release. Enhanced understanding and targeted support could significantly improve the health trajectories of formerly incarcerated Black adults, contributing to better reintegration outcomes and reduced recidivism.