Poster #68 - The Effects of Victimization Experience Status in Childhood on Early Adulthood Offending

• In Event: Poster Session I (posters 1 - 79)

Abstract

In the United States, experiencing at least one victimization prior to the age of 18 is a common experience. The purpose of this study is to explore how victimization, direct/indirect, experience status in childhood influences the odds of engaging in offending behavior in early adulthood while controlling for key psychological symptomologies. This is important due to the substantial victim-offender overlap seen within the current literature. Using Pathways to Desistance waves 2, 8, and 9, I have conducted logistic regression with odds ratios starting with a bivariate model of victimization status and offending, to a full, multivariate model. The results indicate that those who experience no victimization or a single victimization in childhood compared to those who experience polyvictimization in childhood are less likely to engage in offending behavior and that relationship stays strong and significant throughout the models. Existing literature supports that PTSD symptoms and Moral Disengagement moderate the relationship between victimization status and offending behavior. Unexpectedly, PTSD Symptoms were not associated with offending behavior as prior literature suggests. Moral Disengagement did not moderate the relationship between victimization status and offending behavior. Subsequent analyses demonstrated notable divergences between males and females in the victimization and offender relationship findings.

Author

• Marissa Caitlin Coldren, Bowling Green State University