The intersection of formal labeling and child maltreatment in young adult offending

Purpose

Corresponding with the expectations of labeling theory, much scholarship has observed that justice system contact and exclusionary school punishments can have long-term criminogenic consequences. However, limited work has examined family-related factors that might moderate the effects of formal labeling events. Specifically, exposure to abuse and neglect during childhood represents a key risk factor for offending, but it also is theoretically plausible that child maltreatment can operate as an informal label that further amplifies the crime-producing effects of official interventions.

Methods

We use data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 14,078) to assess (1) the independent effects of formal labeling in adolescence and child maltreatment on self-reported offending in young adulthood and (2) whether child maltreatment moderates the effects of formal labels.

Results

We find that arrest, juvenile court adjudication, expulsion from school, and child maltreatment are independently and positively related to young adult offending. Additionally, the effects of arrest and adjudication, but not school discipline, are strengthened by exposure to child maltreatment.

Conclusions

Through the lens of labeling theory, the results suggest that child maltreatment may operate as a type of informal labeling mechanism that aggravates the disadvantages associated with justice system contact.