The Link Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental Health in Offenders: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mental health issues are highly prevalent in the history of adult offenders, as they affect an individual’s social, psychological, and emotional development and, consequently, their welfare and role in society. The present study explores the relationship between ACEs and mental health in adult offenders. B-on, Psycnet, Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched and selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twelve articles were included in the final sample, exploring the relationship between ACEs and mental health in adult inmates. ACEs impact criminal conduct and mental health. The study of those variables is essential to contribute to implementing intervention strategies and crime prevention.