Family matters: The effects of family structure and adverse childhood experiences on juvenile offending

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2022-05
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Bonner, Taea
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DeLisi, Matt
Harper, Shannon
Peters, David
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Previous research has shown that ACEs are positively associated with delinquency and violent crime, and that family structure is positively associated with delinquency and violent crime. This study fills a gap in the literature by exploring the relationship between adverse childhood experiences, family structure, and delinquency among 253 adjudicated delinquents committed to two long-term juvenile facilities in Western Pennsylvania. The hypothesis states that adverse childhood experiences and family structure will be significantly associated with self-reported delinquency and self-reported violent crime. Using STATA software, t-tests and negative binomial regression models were conducted to test the hypothesis. Findings showed a significant association between family stress and delinquency, and family stress and violence, along with a significant association between sexual abuse, family stress, and delinquency and violence. Findings suggest continued research using mixed methods to create a better understanding of the relationship between child abuse, family functioning, and juvenile offending.
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