Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Delinquency: The Moderating Role of School Connectedness

• In Event: The Impact of Social Bonds on Delinquency

Abstract

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are well-documented as significant predictors of delinquency. While connectedness to school represents a robust protective factor against negative health and behavioral outcomes, limited research has examined if it might weaken the effect of ACEs on delinquency. Using data from the 2024 Florida Youth and Substance Abuse Survey (N = 20,564), this study examines the differential impact of ACEs and connectedness to school on delinquency among Florida high school students. Our findings indicate that while ACEs exacerbate the risk of delinquency, connectedness to school appears to confer a protective effect. Unexpectedly, this positive effect of ACEs and delinquency is found to be stronger among youth with higher levels of school connectedness.

Authors

• Melissa Jones, Brigham Young University

• Grace Huber, Brigham Young University

• Sage McGhie, Brigham Young University

• Adrienne Waite, Brigham Young University

• John P. Hoffmann, Brigham Young University