Gender Differences in Adverse Childhood Experiences, Self-Control, and Delinquent Behavior

• In Event: New Advances in Predictors and Consequences of Self & Social Control

Abstract

Though considerable research links both lack of self-control and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to a variety of negative health and behavioral outcomes, including delinquent behavior, few studies have explored whether ACEs are associated with deficits in self-control. Self-control theory as designed ignores gender differences, but over the past decade studies have revealed robust gender differences in self-control, yet theoretical ignorance remains as to why these differences occur and what it might mean for delinquent behaviors. Thus, more research is needed to explore the mechanisms and processes underlying the relationships among gender, ACEs, self-control, and delinquency. Grounding our work in the larger gender and delinquency, ACEs, and self-control literature and utilizing data from the Fragile Families and Child Well-Being Study, the purposes of this study are twofold. First, we explore how the accumulation, timing, and duration of ACEs influences self-control development and delinquent behavior. Second, because few studies to date have explored how the relationships among ACEs, self-control, and delinquency vary across groups, we explore how these patterns may differ by gender.

Authors

• Melissa S. Jones, Brigham Young University

• John P Hoffmann, Brigham Young University

• Hayley Pierce, Brigham Young University