Date of Award

10-2024

Document Type

Doctoral Research Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Scott Gustafson, Ph.D., ABPP

Second Advisor

Marshall A. Jones, D.B.A.

Third Advisor

Heidi Hatfield-Edwards, Ph.D.

Fourth Advisor

Lisa A. Steelman, Ph.D.

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, and family criminal history, have been identified as potential risk factors for negative physical, psychological, and behavioral health outcomes. Emerging literature suggests that ACEs are also among the primary factors leading to delinquency and adult criminal behavior. However, there is limited applied research that provides practitioners with appropriate insight to intervene when ACEs are identified among juvenile delinquents to reduce recidivism risk. This study adds to the existing literature by examining how cumulative ACEs shape criminal behavior of individuals from the onset until its desistance over the span of twenty years. Using an archival sample of 30 juvenile delinquents involved in a curfew check program, results indicated that cumulative ACE scores were not significantly related to the onset and duration of criminal careers, contacts with the justice system, or the types of criminal offenses committed. However, exploratory findings uncovered significant relationships between specific ACEs and early-onset offending, juvenile drug charges, and property crime. These findings highlight the high prevalence of ACEs among juvenile delinquents and underscore the importance of conducting longitudinal research to identify and address risk factors among juveniles who are at risk of becoming chronic offenders.

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