Childhood Onset of Behavioral Problems and Violent Victimization Among Serious Juvenile Offenders: A Longitudinal Study

There is a growing literature suggesting that childhood-onset behavioral problems have negative long-term effects on multiple life domains, including poor physical and mental health, substance use, interpersonal conflict, and domestic violence. The current study extends this line of research by assessing the association between childhood-onset behavioral problems and later violent victimization. Using a sample of serious juvenile offenders, the study shows that individuals with childhood-onset behavioral problems are at an elevated risk of encountering violent victimization during adolescence and early adulthood. Results suggest that childhood-onset does not directly lead to later victimization; instead, a mediating process that involves children's continuing involvement in delinquency/criminal activities and association with deviant peers ultimately put these youth into high-risk situations.