Gender, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Delinquent Behavior Among Florida High School Students

• In Event: Examining Adverse Childhood Experiences, Trauma, and Criminological Theory to Understand Delinquency and Risky Behavior

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and delinquency, specifically examining gender differences among Florida high school students. Using data from the 2022 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS), a representative sample was analyzed to determine how ACEs differentially predict delinquency in male and female adolescents. While prior research established a link between ACEs and negative outcomes, including delinquency, the complex role of gender was relatively unexplored. Our analysis revealed that females reported higher ACE scores than males; however, they were less likely to engage in delinquent behaviors. Despite this observed difference in ACE scores and delinquency rates, we found no significant interactive effect of ACEs and gender on delinquency. This suggests that while gender influences both ACE exposure and delinquency likelihood independently, the direct impact of ACEs on delinquency does not significantly vary between genders. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender-specific factors in prevention and intervention programs, while acknowledging that the ACE-delinquency link may operate similarly across genders.

Authors

• Ashleigh Anderson, Brigham Young University

• Melissa Jones, Brigham Young University