The Impact of Polyvictimization on Delinquency among Latino Adolescents: A General Strain Theory Perspective

• In Event: Self-Control, Strain and the Victimization-Offending Link

Abstract

General Strain Theory (GST) was provided as a theoretical framework for understanding the impact of adolescent polyvictimization experiences on self-reported delinquency using a sample of Latino adolescents. Although GST has been the subject of much empirical research, previous studies of GST have used individual measures of victimization, thus risking overestimating the importance of individual types of victimization in the effect on delinquency. In addition, there is a dearth of literature concerning how processes highlighted by GST operate among Latinos. Hypotheses from GST were addressed using data from the Dating Violence among Latino Adolescents (DAVILA) Study. Findings indicated that there was a significant relationship between polyvictimization and delinquency (B = 1.53, p < .001). Although the effect of polyvictimization on delinquency was somewhat diminished when hostility was included, polyvictimization still maintained its direct effect on involvement in delinquency. Therefore, hostility only partially mediated the relationship between polyvictimization and delinquency. The current study is an initial attempt at linking research on polyvictimization with criminological theory. In addition, this research contributes to the GST literature by being one of only a small number of studies to utilize a sample of Latino adolescents.

Authors

• Rebecca M. Cudmore, Northeastern University

• Carlos Cuevas, Northeastern University

• Chiara Sabina, Pennsylvania State University