This is the suggestion of new research led by Queen Mary,
University of London, which surveyed 4,664 UK males aged 18 to 34 and looked at
measures of psychiatric illness, violence and gang membership.
It was found that such are the high levels of psychiatric
illness among this demographic, that a heavy burden is being placed on mental
health services as a result.
Indeed, the findings revealed gang members and violent males
are considerably more likely to suffer from a mental disorder or require the
assistance of psychiatric services compared to men who do not take part in such
activity.
Professor Jeremy Coid, Director of the Forensic Psychiatry
Research Unit at the university, said: "It is probable that, among gang
members, high levels of anxiety disorder and psychosis were explained by
post-traumatic stress disorder, the most frequent psychiatric outcome of
exposure to violence."
Dr Ian Gargan C Psychol, the chair of our Division of
Forensic Psychology, comments:
"Google Ideas established a 'Summit Against Violent
Extremism' a number if years ago. The purpose of this summit was for ex-gang
members to describe their experiences while reconciling with victims of violent
extremism.
"I was asked to provide psychology support during the
summit for those who were upset, despondent and traumatised by talking as well
as re-experiencing emotions associated with violence. It was an inspiring and
truly educational experience while clinically challenging."
"It is clear that childhood and teenager experiences of
loss, poor identity and trauma contributed to many individuals decisions to
join hangs. That trauma was them compounded due to the witnessing and
perpetration of violence against others while trying to confirm despite
emotional conflict. These 'gang' experiences exacerbated existing psychological
challenges and fuelled developing psychopathology.
"Those who left the
gangs had done very well and were happier people, but only with significant
support from family, friends and mental health professionals.
"Pre-gang development is likely to have initiated
psychology disharmony contribution to various mental difficulties. The gang
membership served to exacerbate the psychopathology.
"I wrote a paper about the experience which is
available in the Journal of Aggression, Conflict Resolution and Peace."
SOURCE:
http://www.bps.org.uk/news/mental-health-young-men-gangs
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