The longitudinal relationship between inadequate physical housing environment in adolescence and incarceration in adulthood: Exploring gender and racial/ethnic differences

Drawing from developmental and life-course theory, this study identifies inadequate physical housing environment during adolescence as a significant risk factor for incarceration in adulthood. Extending prior research that links housing conditions to health and social outcomes, this study focuses on criminal justice involvement in adulthood. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), we examine the association between inadequate physical housing environment in adolescence and subsequent incarceration, and whether this relationship varies by gender and race/ethnicity. Incarceration outcomes are disaggregated into short-term (1 month or less) and long-term (2 months or more) incarceration. Multinomial logistic regression models show that poorer housing conditions during adolescence are significantly associated with elevated risks of both short- and long-term incarceration, with a stronger effect observed for long-term incarceration. Interaction models reveal that the association does not differ significantly by gender but is more pronounced among White individuals compared to Black and Hispanic individuals. These findings highlight the long-term impact of adolescent environmental disadvantage on justice system outcomes and underscore the importance of improving housing conditions as part of broader strategies to reduce incarceration risk. Tailored interventions that address the intersections of housing, race/ethnicity, and structural inequality are essential to mitigating long-term criminal justice involvement.