Assessing the links between internalizing symptoms and treatment motivation in incarcerated juveniles

The assessment of internalizing symptoms among incarcerated juveniles is limited. Untreated internalizing symptoms can lead to both problems within the facility as well as a higher likelihood of recidivism. However, more research is needed to understand how specific types of symptoms experienced (i.e., depressive vs. anxiety symptoms) are associated with treatment motivation (i.e., problem recognition and treatment readiness) to inform treatment approaches. Alexithymia (i.e., difficulties communicating emotions) is prevalent in incarcerated juveniles and may contribute to the links between internalizing symptoms and treatment motivation. Accordingly, this study evaluated associations between internalizing symptoms and treatment motivation, including the influence of alexithymia, among detained youth. The study used data from 111 detained juveniles who responded to surveys assessing levels of internalizing symptoms, alexithymia, and treatment motivation. Path models suggested that higher levels of depression, higher levels of anxiety, and higher levels of alexithymia were linked to higher levels of problem recognition when internalizing symptoms were assessed both simultaneously and separately. While higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms were linked to higher levels of treatment readiness when assessed in separate models, no variable was uniquely associated with treatment readiness when internalizing symptoms were assessed simultaneously. Further, alexithymia did not moderate any of the associations examined. Findings suggest that anxiety and depressive symptoms are both more strongly linked to problem recognition than treatment readiness. Implications for facility staff and clinicians are discussed.

Automated summary

This study examined the associations between internalizing symptoms and treatment motivation among detained youth, finding that anxiety and depressive symptoms are more strongly linked to problem recognition than treatment readiness, with alexithymia not moderating these associations.