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

BACKGROUND: Child maltreatment (CM) and parental dysfunction display risk factors for criminal behavior, although ambiguity remains due to lacking differentiation between both constructs. OBJECTIVE: 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. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Data of 257 justice-involved males who had undergone forensic evaluation were considered. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: Our findings support existing calls to address CM and parental dysfunction in order to reduce the risk of crime and enhance public safety.