“It Gave Me the Grit and Determination I Have Today”: Trauma,Community Violence,and Posttraumatic Growth Among Former Gang Members

Abstract

Little research has examined trauma exposure and mental health outcomes among gang-involved individuals, even though research has demonstrated a cumulative disadvantage in terms of violent victimization among this population. This study investigated lifetime trauma exposure, frequency of community violence exposure, symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depression, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among 32 former gang members in the United States. Participants (M_age = 44.4 years, 87.5% male; 56.3% Hispanic or Latinx, 31.3% African American) completed questionnaires online assessing these constructs before completing a semi-structured interview (n = 28) about personal mental health consequences of trauma/violence exposure. Results revealed exposure to high levels of discrete trauma (M = 10.2/24) and frequent community violence (M = “five to six” events), minimal posttraumatic stress (M = 14.5/80) and depression (M = 4.11/27), and high levels of PTG (M = 40.69/50). Trauma was associated with greater posttraumatic stress and depression, whereas community violence was associated with greater PTG. Thematic analysis of narratives showed all participants described profound experiences of growth, including new possibilities in life (82.1%), enhanced relationships with others (71.4%), greater appreciation of life (60.7%), increased personal strength (46.4%), and spiritual change (46.4%). Trauma-informed and trauma-focused therapy may be an ongoing need in this population. However, the possibility of PTG suggests targeted areas for prevention and intervention among at-risk and gang-involved individuals. Further research is needed to examine positive changes in response to a changing perspective and new life narrative among gang-involved individuals.