Adolescent self-image as a mediator between childhood maltreatment and adult sexual offending

    Authors

    A. Reckdenwald; C. Mancini;E. Beauregard

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Crim. Justice

    Keywords

    COMMUNITY VIOLENCE EXPOSURE; INTERGENERATIONAL TRANSMISSION; PHYSICAL; ABUSE; POLY-VICTIMIZATION; ANTISOCIAL-BEHAVIOR; PEER RELATIONSHIPS; DOMESTIC VIOLENCE; MENTAL-HEALTH; RISK-FACTORS; ESTEEM; Criminology & Penology

    Abstract

    Purpose: The link between maltreatment and offending has been well established in the literature, with research examining the etiology of criminal behavior consistently documenting the negative effects of experiencing trauma early in life. Theoretically, ideas behind the cycle of violence hypothesis have greatly contributed to our understanding of this connection; however, there is a lack of understanding of the mechanisms underlying this relationship. We address this research gap by examining the mediating role that adolescent mental health, particularly self-image, plays in the relationship between child maltreatment and subsequent adult sex offending. Methods: We utilize retrospective data froth a sample of incarcerated sex offenders at a maximum security penitentiary located in Canada (N = 565). Results: Results indicate that poor self-image in adolescence partially mediates the relationship between child maltreatment and the extent of sex offending in adulthood. Conclusions: Implications for research, theory, and policy are discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Criminal Justice

    Volume

    42

    Issue/Number

    2

    Publication Date

    1-1-2014

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    85

    Last Page

    94

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000333004100001

    ISSN

    0047-2352

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