Distinct and shared effects of child maltreatment and parental dysfunction on increased criminogenic risk.
Parental dysfunction is associated with higher criminogenic risk in justice-involved men.
Distinct and shared effects of child maltreatment and parental dysfunction on increased criminogenic risk.
Child maltreatment (child maltreatment) and parental dysfunction display risk factors for criminal behavior, although ambiguity remains due to lacking differentiation between both constructs.
To deepen the understanding of these dynamics as the basis for developing potentially effective prevention and intervention measures, the present study examined individual and shared effects of self-reported child maltreatment and parental dysfunction on later criminogenic risk.
Self-reported child maltreatment on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, clinician-administered data on parental dysfunction, and criminogenic risk (including aggression, psychopathy, psychiatric diagnoses, substance use, and criminal versatility) were included in a series of structural equation models to explore the effects of parental dysfunction on criminogenic risk through child maltreatment.
Child maltreatment was significantly related to criminogenic risk (β = 0.21, p = .042).
When analyzed separately, significant direct effects of paternal (β = 0.20, p = .013) but not maternal dysfunction (β = 0.04, p = .651) remained.
Our findings support existing calls to address child maltreatment and parental dysfunction in order to reduce the risk of crime and enhance public safety.