Determinants of Female Adolescents’ Quality of Life Before, during and after Detention: a Four-Wave Follow-Up Study Examining a Theory of Individual Quality of Life

Lore Van Damme (), Wouter Vanderplasschen, Clare-Ann Fortune, Stijn Vandevelde and Olivier F. Colins
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Lore Van Damme: Ghent University
Wouter Vanderplasschen: Ghent University
Clare-Ann Fortune: Victoria University of Wellington
Stijn Vandevelde: Ghent University
Olivier F. Colins: Ghent University

Applied Research in Quality of Life, 2021, vol. 16, issue 1, No 20, 434 pages

Abstract: Abstract Quality of Life (QoL) has become an important indicator of health care needs and treatment outcomes. Yet studies on this topic among detained girls are still very scarce. This study aimed to fill this void by examining a theory of individual QoL, focussing on determinants of detained girls’ QoL over time. A four-wave follow-up study was conducted among 147 detained girls (Mage = 16.20). Participants rated their self-perceived QoL (i.e., physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment) before, during, and after detention. At baseline (i.e., shortly after admission), personal and environmental determinants of QoL were measured through self-report and file-information, including psychiatric disorders, reason for detention and trauma exposure. Multilevel growth curve analyses indicated that girls’ QoL decreased after admission, remained stable during detention, but increased after discharge, supporting the hypothesized dynamic nature of QoL. However, findings differed depending upon the QoL domain and baseline level. None of the three hypothesized determinants had significant main/interaction effects on QoL, at least not when controlling for baseline QoL and covariates. Yet, one covariate (i.e., school attendance) displayed significant main/interaction effects. These findings indicate that the influence of a particular determinant dependents upon a complex interplay of other personal/environmental factors. To conclude, we highlight the need for critical reflections upon the restricting and segregating nature of detention facilities and suggest there is a need to implement QoL enhancement strategies to create a more supportive climate for change. Moreover, we formulate recommendations for future research in order to further stimulate QoL theory evaluation and development.

Keywords: Quality of life; Detention; Young offenders; Females; Longitudinal studies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1007/s11482-019-09775-4

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