ACEs, Developmental Differences in Impulse Control and Sensation Seeking, and Delinquency: A Prospective Multi-Cohort Study

• In Event: Prevalence, Location, and Consequences of Youth Victimization

Abstract

Objectives: Research shows that developmental trajectories characterized by low impulse control and high sensation seeking are associated with greater delinquency. Likewise, several studies link adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to lower self-control and increases in delinquency. Herein, we develop and test an integrated model by drawing on insights from these two strands of research. Methods: We analyze data from the Supporting Healthy Adolescent Relationships and Environments study and estimate latent classes representing dual trajectories of impulse control and sensation seeking to investigate if the association between ACEs and later delinquency operates indirectly via class membership among two cohorts of youth. Results: Greater exposure to ACEs is associated with latent classes characterized by greater sensation seeking and lower impulse control. In addition, membership in such classes is positively associated with delinquency, and the association between ACEs and delinquency is partially mediated by class membership in each cohort of youth. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate the utility of integrating insights from multiple fields to study the developmental precursors of delinquency. Moreover, there appear to be additional avenues through which ACEs shape later involvement in delinquency that extend beyond the dual systems framework, necessitating additional research on other potentially relevant mechanisms.

Authors

• Ryan Charles Meldrum, Florida International University

• Brian Stults, Florida State University

• Carter Hay, Florida State University

• Poco Kernsmith, Wayne State University

• Joanne Smith-Darden, Michigan State University