An Examination of Direct and Indirect Effects of Maltreatment Dimensions and Other Ecological Risks on Persistent Youth Offending

Abstract

The study examined the ecological model by testing the direct and indirect effects of four maltreatment dimensions (supervisory neglect, age at onset, recurrence, and severity) on persistent youth offending. A path model was constructed hypothesizing that maltreatment, family functioning, and community risks would increase behavior and academic problems in childhood and delinquency in adolescence. The design featured within-group analysis that included methodological and statistical controls determining how variations in maltreatment affect delinquent behavior among maltreated children. Supervisory neglect produced direct and indirect effects. Maltreatment severity produced direct effects only. Family functioning and community risks produced indirect effects. The results support the ecological explanation of the maltreatment/delinquency link. The key implication of the study is that accurate and early identification of maltreatment, coupled with interventions that improve parental discipline and supervision, will reduce persistent youth offending while also mediating the effects of other risk factors.