Examining the potential association between perceived life expectations and violent behaviors, criminal justice processing, and victimization: A longitudinal analysis

Abstract

There has been a small body of research examining perceived life expectations and orientation and how they relate to delinquent involvement. The findings of these studies have consistently shown an association between perceived life expectations and delinquency, but there remains much that is unknown about how perceived life expectations might contribute to antisocial and negative outcomes. The current study sought to partially fill this gap in the literature by examining whether perceived life expectations in adolescence were related to violent criminal behavior, criminal justice processing, and victimization in adolescence and adulthood. To do so, the authors analyzed data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). Analyses of these data revealed that some of the perceived life expectations measures were associated with violent criminal behavior, criminal justice processing variables, and measures of victimization. These associations, however, varied across the six perceived life expectations measures and across the measurement of the outcome measures. Directions for future research are discussed and limitations of the study are noted.