Childhood abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, and juvenile recidivism: The mediating role of social bonds. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Craig, Jessica M.; Wolff, Kevin T.; Pierce, Kelly; Zettler, Haley; Baglivio, Michael T.
• Is Part Of: Journal of criminal justice. Volume 82(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Adverse childhood experiences -- Recidivism -- Social bonds; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; Justice pénale -- Administration -- Périodiques; 364.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2022.101998
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0047-2352

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: Though prior research has found a connection between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and offending, only a few studies have investigated potential mediators that may help explain these effects. The current study builds upon childhood abuse research that has found social bonds to be a mediator between childhood maltreatment and offending and examines the extent to which social bonds represent an intervening variable between ACEs and recidivism. Methods: Using a sample of first-time adjudicated youth and an expanded measure of social bonds, a structural equation modeling (SEM) path analysis of the ACEs → social bonds → juvenile recidivism relationship was conducted. Results: The models revealed partial support for mediation- the indirect effect of ACEs on recidivism via social bonds was marginally significant. Further, it was found that 32% of the total effect of ACEs on recidivism operated through a youth's social bonds. Conclusions: These findings highlight one potential mechanism of the ACE-offending relationship and further implications of this indirect relationship are discussed. Highlights: This study examines if social bonds mediate the effect of trauma on recidivism. Structural equation models reveal partial support for mediation. Thirty-two percent of the ACEs effect on recidivism operated through social bonds.