Citation

Holtzhausen L, Campbell E. Acta Criminol. 2021; 34(1): 24-47.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Criminological Society of South Africa)

DOI

10.10520/ejc-crim_v34_n1_a3

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences are a known risk factor for antisocial behaviour later in life. The associations between childhood trauma and juvenile delinquency have been well documented however, very few studies have addressed the relationship between child maltreatment and the development of antisocial traits rain varying populations and geographic contexts. The aim of this quantitative study was to test the universality of adverse childhood experiences as risk factors for the development of antisocial behaviour among 413 young adults in the Western Cape, South Africa. Early identification of adverse childhood experiences is essential for prevention of antisocial behaviour and for the promotion of prosocial attitudes. Linear regression models found that adverse childhood experiences were strong, positive predictors of deviant behaviours. Moreover, specific adverse childhood experiences of physical abuse and emotional neglect had notable effects for deviant behaviour.

Language: en

Keywords

abuse and neglect; Adverse childhood experiences; antisocial behaviour and delinquency; child maltreatment