The Impact of Polyvictimization on Delinquency Among Latino Adolescents: A General Strain Theory Perspective

Abstract

Although criminological research has provided support for general strain theory (GST), there is still little known about the relationship between victimization and delinquency among Latino adolescents. This study seeks to fill the gap in the literature by examining the association between a broader measure of victimization (i.e., polyvictimization) and delinquent behavior using data from the Dating Violence Among Latino Adolescents (DAVILA) Study, a national sample of Latino youth. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine two issues: (a) whether polyvictimization is associated with self-reported delinquent behavior and (b) whether anger mediates the relationship between polyvictimization and delinquency. Our findings provided partial support for GST among Latino youth. Specifically, the effect of polyvictimization on delinquency was explained in part by its effect on anger. Contrary to the theory's hypothesis, the effect of polyvictimization was not conditional on the effect of social support. Overall, findings suggested that GST is a promising framework for understanding the relationship between polyvictimization and delinquency among Latino youth.

Explaining the Cultural Retention–Delinquency Relationship Using Differential Support and Coercion Theory: A Study of Native‐Born and Immigrant Latino Youth

“…Therefore, our measure of delinquency is a dummy variable indicating whether each youth had responded “yes” to at least one of these delinquent behaviors. This method is consistent with prior studies using these data (e.g., Cudmore, Cuevas, and Sabina, ).…”

“…Information about a youth's demographic information was obtained through his or her caregiver. More information about the study's aims, methodology, and major findings can be found in Sabina and Cuevas (2013) and Cudmore, Cuevas, and Sabina (2017).…”

Childhood Adversity and the Continued Exposure to Trauma and Violence Among Adolescent Gang Members

“…Yet, although normalized, youth in this study were also negatively affected and traumatized by experiences of violence within their homes and communities. A growing body of literature strongly indicates the negative effects of multiple exposure to violence in homes and communities (Cudmore, Cuevas, & Sabina, 2015; Cyr et al, 2013; Elsaesser & Voisin, 2015; Voisin & Elsaesser, 2013). Violent victimization and exposure to violence are associated with a variety of mental health concerns in youth including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and aggression (Ford et al, 2010; Hartinger-Saunders et al, 2011; Ng-Mak et al, 2002).…”

Gender-based differences in injecting drug use by young adults who experienced maltreatment in childhood: Findings from an Australian birth cohort study

“…Sexual, physical, emotional abuse and neglect, or multiple types of maltreatment (Nguyen, Dunne, & Le, 2010) have been linked to low self-esteem (Nguyen et al, 2010), depression, anxiety (Afifi et al, 2014; Chapman et al, 2004; Edwards, Holden, Felitti, & Anda, 2003; MacMillan et al, 2001; Mills et al, 2013; Nguyen et al, 2010; Spataro, Mullen, Burgess, Wells, & Moss, 2004; Springer, Sheridan, Kuo, & Carnes, 2007), suicidal ideations and/or attempts (Afifi et al, 2014; Hadland et al, 2015; Marshall, Galea, Wood, & Kerr, 2013). Similarly, childhood maltreatment may lead to delinquent behaviour (Cudmore, Cuevas, & Sabina, 2015; Gao, Wong, & Yu, 2016) or externalizing problems (Mills et al, 2013; Spataro et al, 2004) often involving problematic substance use (Markowitz et al, 2011; Ompad et al, 2005). Exposure to childhood maltreatment has also been associated with impaired cognitive development (Mills et al, 2011), a range of physical health disorders (Wegman & Stetler, 2009) as well as poor adherence to medications (Markowitz et al, 2011).…”