Expanding the ACEs index beyond the household: A gendered assessment of the adversity-delinquency nexus

Abstract

Purpose

The current study addresses criticisms of the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) model, specifically its limited focus on adversities outside the home and gender-based differences. We compare a diverse set of expanded ACEs to seminal household-focused ACEs individually, cumulatively, and in their relationship with delinquency by gender.

Methods

Utilizing National Survey of Children's Exposure to Violence data (NatSCEV I-III) (N = 5114), we compare seminal and expanded ACEs, examining their prevalence and individual and cumulative impact on delinquency for boys and girls.

Results

Results reveal gender similarities and disparities in the prevalence of ACEs and their association with delinquency. Seminal household-based ACEs are generally more prevalent and impactful among girls, while there is greater prevalence and salience of adversities outside the home for boys. Girls exhibit higher seminal ACEs scores and a corresponding greater association with delinquency than boys, while expanded ACEs scores show no significant gender differences in prevalence or association with delinquency.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the narrow focus of the seminal ACEs on household-based adversities may bias the index towards girls and underestimate adversities relevant to boys. Future research and practice should broaden the ACEs index to encompass contexts beyond the home.