Early abuse and neglect as risk factors for the development of criminal and antisocial behavior

Abstract

This chapter reviews current knowledge regarding how early abuse and neglect are linked to the development of criminal and antisocial behavior (CAB) in adolescence and adulthood. After defining the terms involved, this review describes some of the major theoretical formulations that attempt to explain the ways in which childhood abuse might influence CAB and then goes on to review the available research, with a focus on longitudinal studies and those that examine outcomes related to involvement in the juvenile or adult criminal justice systems. In addition to reviewing gender and developmental differences, the chapter also discusses theories and research that attempt to uncover the mechanisms accounting for how early abuse contributes to CAB, including biological processes and posttraumatic stress.