Relational Experiences as Explanatory Factors for the Development of Criminal and Antisocial Behavior: A Scoping Review

Abstract

A large proportion of children and youth are growing up in harmful caring environments that can affect their behavioral strategies later in life. Despite the existing of an extensive literature regarding prevalence, characteristics of delinquent and criminal behavior, as well as, individual and environmental risk factors, there are gaps that remains unexplained regarding this problem. There is little evidence about what is known about the relational experiences in children and adolescents and the development of criminal and antisocial behavior. This scoping review was developed to address the matter of criminal and antisocial behavior by analyzing how this is associated with children and adolescent’s relational experiences with primary caregivers. In addition, the review examines recommendations provided in this field regarding intervention strategies to prevent or reduce the prevalence of delinquent behaviors. A total of 528 studies were identified in the databases of ProQuest, Web of Science (Core Collection) and PsychINFO. After applying the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 17 published studies were included in the analysis. The results show the presence of an association between the experience of physical and sexual abuse and the occurrence of criminal and antisocial behavior in children and adolescents. Similar findings relate to experiences of emotional care; sensitivity, warmth and closeness were identified as important protective factors for these behaviors, whereas hostility, rejection and detachment were risk factors for the development of delinquent behaviors. Further, there is a suggested need to enhance parenting skills through program activities and address the internal working model of the child/adolescent through therapy to prevent/reduce the development of criminal and antisocial behavior in these vulnerable populations. The study ends with a discussion of needed research.