The Role of Trait Anger in the Relation Between Juvenile Delinquency and Intimate Partner Violence in Adulthood

Abstract

Research has documented a connection between juvenile delinquency and criminality in adulthood. However, research examining why some individuals engage in criminal behavior only as juveniles, whereas others continue to perpetrate crime into adulthood, is still needed. This study examined trait anger as a mediator of relations between a history of juvenile detention and perpetration of three subtypes of intimate partner violence (IPV) in adulthood. Results suggested that trait anger significantly mediated relations between a history of juvenile detention and (a) physical assault and (b) psychological aggression, but not sexual coercion. Addressing anger in juvenile delinquents may be useful in intervention approaches designed to reduce IPV. Further investigations are encouraged to longitudinally explore other explanatory variables in the link between juvenile delinquency and IPV.