An exploratory study of childhood adversity and delinquency among youth in the context of child-to-parent and sibling-to-sibling violence

Very little research has been conducted on the role of childhood adversity in child-to-parent (CPV) and sibling-to-sibling violence (SSV). Exposure to childhood adversity places adolescents at risk for negative outcomes later in life. This exploratory study examined childhood adversity in adolescents who have committed violence directed toward a family member, analyzing whether there were differences with respect to perpetrator type (CPV and SSV). The sample included 83 adolescents who perpetrated CPV and 44 adolescents who perpetrated SSV. Findings suggest that adolescents who perpetrated violence against CPV and SSV experienced a high amount of childhood adversity. MANOVA results revealed that adolescents who perpetrated CPV and SSV reported significantly different experiences with childhood adversity. Intervention efforts should be tailored to the individualized needs of families impacted by adolescent perpetrated family violence.