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

Abstract

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.