Risk factors that influence the maltreatment-offending association: A systematic review of prospective and longitudinal studies

Abstract

The association between exposure to maltreatment during childhood or adolescence and subsequent delinquent or offending behaviors has been repeatedly documented in the scientific literature. Despite this, the nature of this relationship remains unclear and, in particular, whether problematic behavior arises directly as a result of the maltreatment, other co-existing risk factors or an interaction between maltreatment and these risk factors. This systematic review aims to organize evidence on this topic in relation to an ecological perspective that encompasses the multi-faceted nature of the maltreatment-offending association. A final pool of 62 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Results and discussion are organized according to four main sections: taxonomic categories of maltreatment (e.g., the type or timing of abuse, as well as how welfare involvement or placement in out-of-home care influences outcomes), individual risk factors (e.g., emotional and behavioral problems), social risk factors (e.g., characteristics of the family, parents and peers), and contextual risk factors (e.g., neighborhood characteristics). As consistent with ecological theory, a multitude of factors contribute to the maltreatment offending association. The application of a conceptual framework to guide future research and treatment is discussed.