Pathways of development: An examination of the impact of ACEs on experiences across multiple environments

• In Event: Advances and New Avenues in DLC Research: Methods, Theory, and Applications

Abstract

Though developmental and life-course criminological research incorporates a number of theories to help elucidate child development and later delinquency and justice system contact, Judith Harris’ theory of child development has not received much attention in the discipline. Harris’ theory postulates unique pathways stemming from adversity in early childhood that ultimately culminate in delinquency for some children and youth, but these paths have not been subject to empirical examination. The goal of this study is to examine Harris’ proposed pathways, exploring whether community ACEs and home-based ACEs are associated with differing behavioral consequences, as well as whether paths to deviant peer association and delinquency differ according to exposures. Using path analysis and data from the LONGSCAN consortium, findings provide some support for Harris’ proposed pathways and suggest Harris’ framework may be useful in developmental criminological research.

Author

• Abigail S. Novak, University of Mississippi