Distinct and shared effects of child maltreatment and parental dysfunction on increased criminogenic risk

Child maltreatment (CM) and parental dysfunction display risk factors for criminal behavior, although ambiguity remains due to lacking differentiation between both constructs.

To deepen the understanding of these dynamics as the basis for developing potentially effective prevention and intervention measures, the present study examined individual and shared effects of self-reported CM and parental dysfunction on later criminogenic risk.

Data of 257 justice-involved males who had undergone forensic evaluation were considered.

Self-reported CM on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, clinician-administered data on parental dysfunction, and criminogenic risk (including aggression, psychopathy, psychiatric diagnoses, substance use, and criminal versatility) were included in a series of structural equation models to explore the effects of parental dysfunction on criminogenic risk through CM. Differences between paternal and maternal dysfunction were also explored.

Parental dysfunction had a significant total effect on criminogenic risk (β = 0.35, p < .001), with a significant direct (β = 0.21, p = .026) but also indirect effect (β = 0.14, p = .042). CM was significantly related to criminogenic risk (β = 0.21, p = .042). When analyzed separately, significant direct effects of paternal (β = 0.20, p = .013) but not maternal dysfunction (β = 0.04, p = .651) remained.

Our findings support existing calls to address CM and parental dysfunction in order to reduce the risk of crime and enhance public safety.