Does childhood exposure to domestic abuse lead to antisocial behavior in adolescence?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.3299Keywords:
Domestic Abuse , psychology, antisocial behavior, IncarcerationAbstract
Childhood exposure to domestic abuse, whether through direct victimization or observation, has profound and lasting consequences on adolescent development. In the United States alone, an estimated 15.5 million children are exposed to domestic abuse annually. This paper examines the relationship between childhood maltreatment and later antisocial or criminal behavior, drawing on social learning theory and attachment theory as explanatory frameworks. Findings from longitudinal and cross-national studies consistently show that abused or abuse-exposed youth demonstrate elevated risks of delinquency, aggression, substance use, and criminal justice involvement. Furthermore, these forms of maltreatment often disrupt secure attachments and normalize violence as an interpersonal strategy, perpetuating cycles of abuse across generations. The review highlights the importance of early detection and intervention through school-based programs, trauma-informed counseling, and policy initiatives aimed at strengthening family stability.
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