Exploring the Moderating Influence of Delinquent Peers on the Link Between Trauma, Anger, and Violence Among Male Youth: Implications for Social Work Practice

Abstract

This study's objective was to explore the influence of delinquent peer exposure, on the relationship between male youths' histories of trauma, anger, and violent behavior. Using a nationally representative sample of male adolescents aged 12-17 and self report interviews, information was gathered on their levels of exposure to violence, stressful life events (SLE), anger, depression, delinquent peer exposure, and violent behavior. Results of a moderation analyses revealed that youth who reported higher levels of exposure to trauma, anger, and delinquent peers were at an increased risk for anger and for violent offending. Delinquent peer exposure exerted a significant interaction effect on the relationship between anger and violent offending. The implications for prevention and intervention efforts are delineated.

Traumatic Experiences and Juvenile Amenability: The Role of Trauma in Forensic Evaluations and Judicial Decision Making

“…These differences suggest that youth who have experienced traumatic events have more risk factors for offending than do other youth. Although the current study could not evaluate causality, findings are consistent with previous research suggesting that environmental variables and intervening events may influence the relationship between delinquency and trauma (e.g., Maschi and Bradley 2008). Trauma may serve as an indirect risk factor for offending; that is, it may increase the likelihood that other risk factors will occur.…”

“…Maschi and Bradley (2008) found that negative affect and delinquent peers partially moderated the relationship between traumatic experiences and delinquency. These results highlight, again, the importance of assessing the youth's response to the event (e.g., negative affect) and other environmental influences (e.g., delinquent peers).…”

Analysis of Juvenile Delinquency and Academic Attainment among Foster Care Youth in Kinship versus Non-Kinship Care

“…Kinship care was more likely to be utilized for females than Non-Kinship care. These findings were supported by, McMillen, Zima, Scott, Auslander, Munson, Ollie, and Spitznagel (2005), which suggested that being male is associated with externalizing problems and lower levels of placement stability (Maschi, & Bradley, 2008). Nevertheless, McMillen et al (2005), in a study of the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems of adolescents in out-of-home placement, found that males and females did not differ in the frequency in placement stability.…”

The association between type of out‐of‐home mental health treatment and juvenile justice recidivism for youth with trauma exposure

“…The peer contagion literature suggests that young people in residential facilities with other delinquent youths will have poorer outcomes (Dishion et al, ). Those with severe trauma backgrounds are particularly susceptible to negative influences in groups, as they are more likely to associate with and be affected by delinquent peers (Maschi and Bradley, ; Maschi et al, ).…”

“…In addition, use of seclusion and restraints, inappropriate use of medications and/or co‐residence with other youth who have been exposed to trauma may add to the problems of young people who already have trauma histories. Young people with traumatic backgrounds are also more likely to associate with and be affected by delinquent peers (Maschi and Bradley, ; Maschi et al, ). Association with delinquent peers is often found to be a significant determinant of offending behaviour (Leve and Chamberlain, ).…”