Abstract
While many studies have observed a positive association between maltreatment in childhood and criminality in adolescence and
adulthood, others have failed to detect such an association. Most studies, however, have not examined different types of maltreatment,
nor taken account of other family and childhood factors that are predictive of criminality. Using data from a prospective,
longitudinal investigation of a community sample of 1,037 males, we calculated hierarchical logistic regression models to
estimate the associations of boys’ self-reports of neglect, emotional abuse, and physical abuse at ages 10 and 12, with convictions
for criminal offenses from age 12 to 24, after taking account of conduct problems, hurtful and uncaring behaviours (HUB),
and parent’s criminality. At ages 10 and 12, boys’ reports of neglect, emotional abuse, and physical abuse, were not associated
with criminal convictions for non-violent or for violent crimes from age 12 to 24. Among boys who did not engage in HUB towards
others reports of emotional abuse were associated with subsequent criminality, while this association disappeared among the
boys engaging in such behaviours. In this community sample of males, levels of each type of maltreatment were low and there
were no direct associations with subsequent criminal convictions. The findings add to emerging evidence that the characteristics
of the child and parents, as well as the type of maltreatment modify the association with future criminal offending.
adulthood, others have failed to detect such an association. Most studies, however, have not examined different types of maltreatment,
nor taken account of other family and childhood factors that are predictive of criminality. Using data from a prospective,
longitudinal investigation of a community sample of 1,037 males, we calculated hierarchical logistic regression models to
estimate the associations of boys’ self-reports of neglect, emotional abuse, and physical abuse at ages 10 and 12, with convictions
for criminal offenses from age 12 to 24, after taking account of conduct problems, hurtful and uncaring behaviours (HUB),
and parent’s criminality. At ages 10 and 12, boys’ reports of neglect, emotional abuse, and physical abuse, were not associated
with criminal convictions for non-violent or for violent crimes from age 12 to 24. Among boys who did not engage in HUB towards
others reports of emotional abuse were associated with subsequent criminality, while this association disappeared among the
boys engaging in such behaviours. In this community sample of males, levels of each type of maltreatment were low and there
were no direct associations with subsequent criminal convictions. The findings add to emerging evidence that the characteristics
of the child and parents, as well as the type of maltreatment modify the association with future criminal offending.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Contribution
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s00787-012-0281-x
- Authors
- Teresa C. Silva, Research Unit on Children’s Psycho-Social Maladjustment, University of Montreal, 3050, Boulevard Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC H3T 1J7, Canada
- Peter Larm, Research Unit on Children’s Psycho-Social Maladjustment, University of Montreal, 3050, Boulevard Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC H3T 1J7, Canada
- Frank Vitaro, Research Unit on Children’s Psycho-Social Maladjustment, University of Montreal, 3050, Boulevard Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC H3T 1J7, Canada
- Richard E. Tremblay, Research Unit on Children’s Psycho-Social Maladjustment, University of Montreal, 3050, Boulevard Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC H3T 1J7, Canada
- Sheilagh Hodgins, Philippe-Pinel Institute Research Centre, 10905, Boulevard Henri-Bourassa, Montréal, QC H1C 1H1, Canada
- Journal European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Online ISSN 1435-165X
- Print ISSN 1018-8827