The Maltreatment–Offending Association: A Systematic Review of the Methodological Features of Prospective and Longitudinal Studies

Abstract

Although the association between childhood maltreatment and the subsequent development of offending behavior is well documented, the association does not necessarily reflect a causal relationship. This paper provides a systematic review of prospective and longitudinal studies using official records of maltreatment to gain insights into the extent to which methodological variations are likely to influence the conclusions drawn about the likely relationship between maltreatment and offending. Sixty-two original studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies were assessed according to a set of seven methodological criteria: (1) inclusion of comparison groups, (2) the use of statistical controls, (3) valid outcome measures, (4) operationalization of maltreatment, (5) proper temporal order of associations, (6) data relating to unsubstantiated maltreatment, and (7) consideration of mediating and moderating factors. The strength of evidence in support of the maltreatment-offending association was influenced by a number of methodological factors. Despite the increasing sophistication of studies, there is a need to be mindful of how these factors are taken into account in future research in order to gain a deeper understanding of the adverse consequences of maltreatment and how this might influence outcomes and inform interventions.

Opportunities for Prevention: A Data-Linkage Study to Inform A Public Health Response to Youth Offending in The Northern Territory, Australia

“…This is a retrospective population-based cohort study that used de-identi ed, individual-level information linked across multiple administrative datasets. The study design was informed by a systematic review of the methodological features of past studies relating to the maltreatment-offending association [24]. The study population comprised all Aboriginal children born in the NT between 1st January 1999 and 31st December 2006 with at least one record in any of the linked datasets at or after age 10 years.…”

The maltreatment-violence link: Exploring the role of maltreatment experiences and other individual and social risk factors among young people who offend

“…A further consideration in future research is the use of official records of maltreatment in contrast with self-reported maltreatment. The majority of longitudinal studies examining the maltreatment-offending association have used official records of abuse and neglect (Malvaso, Delfabbro, & Day, 2015). Limited to information collected by official agencies, these studies might thus underestimate associations with offending because not all children and young people who experience maltreatment are notified.…”

Childhood maltreatment and poor functional outcomes at the transition to adulthood: a comparison of prospective informant- and retrospective self-reports of maltreatment

“…For example, longitudinal research suggests maltreated children have an elevated risk for being 'Not in Employment, Education, or Training' (NEET) [1] and lower levels of educational attainment [2]. In addition, exposure to maltreatment has been shown to increase the likelihood of criminal behaviour [3], further exposure to victimisation [4,5], teenage parenthood [6], and is also associated with subsequent lower life satisfaction [7], loneliness [8], and poorer sleep quality [9]. Moreover, the relationship between childhood maltreatment and functional impairment appears to occur in a dose-response manner such that exposure to more forms of maltreatment confers greater risk of poor adult functioning [4,10].…”