Child Maltreatment and Delinquency: Understating the Role of Social Support

• In Event: Examining Child Victim’s Engagement in Delinquency and Experiences with the Criminal Justice and Child Welfare Systems

Abstract

A large body of research shows that exposure to child maltreatment is related to later delinquency. Not all of those exposed to child maltreatment, however, will engage in delinquent behavior. Evidence suggests individuals who report interpersonal relationships high in social support are able to avoid the negative effects of child maltreatment. Nevertheless, the link between child maltreatment, social support, and delinquency is complex. Child maltreatment may only be tied to specific kinds of social support, and not all kinds of social support are expected to be related to delinquency. Most research, however, does not account for these nuances. In order to better understand the relationship between maltreatment, social support and delinquency, the current study utilizes path analysis with data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Directions for future research and policy implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Andia Azimi, Sam Houston State University

• Leah E. Daigle, Georgia State University