Date of Submission

12-18-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Psychology

Advisor

Melissa L. Whitson, Ph.D.

Keywords

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Protective Factors, Juvenile Delinquency

LCSH

Psychic trauma in children, Juvenile delinquency

Abstract

The current study measured the effect protective factors had on juvenile delinquency for individuals that have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Previous studies have indicated that ACEs increase engagement in juvenile delinquency while protective factors produce the opposite effect. However, the impact protective factors have on the relationship between ACEs and juvenile delinquency has not been investigated. Therefore, the present study examined how protective factors act as a moderator in the relationship between ACEs and juvenile delinquency. This was measured using an electronic survey sent to university students and members of the community to examine the experience of ACEs, protective factors, and engagement in juvenile delinquency. The results indicated that participants with greater ACE scores were more likely to engage in juvenile delinquency. Participants with greater protective factors were less likely to engage in juvenile delinquency. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that the interaction between ACEs and protective factors was a significant predictor of juvenile delinquency. These results can inform strategies that aim to reduce juvenile delinquency for individuals that experience ACEs since protective factors appear to prevent juveniles from engaging in delinquent behaviors

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