Date of Conferral

3-18-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jerrod Brown

Abstract

The overrepresentation of federally sentenced Indigenous women in Canada reflects longstanding structural and systemic injustices within the criminal justice system. Constituting approximately 5% of the female population, Indigenous female offenders are disproportionately represented, especially in maximum security facilities and structured intervention units. This qualitative study examined psychologists’ and psychiatrists’ perspectives on the potential role of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) related neurocognitive impairments in increasing justice system involvement among Indigenous women in Western Canada. Guided by the multidimensional Indigenous developmental framework, which integrates historical trauma theory and attachment theory, nine psychologists and one psychiatrist were interviewed in semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, yielding seven interconnected themes. The findings indicated that FASD does not result in criminality but increases the risk of criminalization due to the disruption of executive functioning, memory, and suggestibility, especially in punitive justice contexts. Cumulative trauma and the absence of culturally responsive services add to these risks. Recommendations include introducing FASD screening at an early age and basing justice responses on neurodevelopmentally sensitive, culturally grounded approaches that focus on accommodation, prevention, and reintegration. These findings support positive social change by informing policies and practices that shift justice responses from surveillance and punishment toward dignity, healing, and sustained community reintegration for Indigenous women.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

 
COinS