A Secondary Data Analysis of Traumatic Brain Injury, Criminogenic Risk Factors, and Recidivism in a Correctional Reentry Sample

Research suggests traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be a potential risk factor for reoffending. However, prior research has rarely accounted for other criminogenic risk factors to evaluate incremental predictive utility of TBI for recidivism. The current investigation was a secondary analysis of data from a sample of 95 men incarcerated at a secure reentry facility; 73 had complete data concerning demographics, criminogenic needs, TBI history, and recidivism for analysis. The observed TBI prevalence rate was within the range of prior studies, and there was some evidence to suggest that persons with a history of TBI exhibited increased rates of recidivism. Only age and a history of TBI were predictive of recidivism at approximately 1 year follow-up. The consistency of these tentative findings with prior research is discussed. Suggestions for future research to overcome limitations that impacted the current investigation's aims, and a tentative practice suggestion for correctional intervention services, are offered.