Author: Quanta Saikia
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/PP/030400009
Abstract: The impact of psychological trauma in childhood is now recognised as a significant adversive childhood factor that contributes to emotional/behavioural, interpersonal and social problems in adolescence. Childhood adversities like physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, domestic violence, parental separation, family dysfunction and community violence can impact on healthy functioning in the psychological system and lead to maladaptive coping. This paper conducts a critical review of theoretical and empirical research on the link between psychological trauma in childhood and delinquency committed by adolescents. Special focus is on adverse childhood experiences, emotional regulation, disrupted attachment, social learning, cumulative adversity, and interplay between individual and environmental risk factors. The review does not regard trauma as a causal factor of juvenile delinquency. Rather, trauma is seen as being part of a spectrum of developmental factors, such as psychological vulnerability, family factors, peer and school factors, socioeconomic conditions, and community factors. These pathways can be interrupted by protective relationships, resilience, school engagement and counselling, family support and trauma informed interventions. The paper thus calls for a child-centred and trauma-informed approach to juvenile justice, education, child protection and mental health systems, and maintains the importance of holding accountable and keeping people safe.
Keywords: Adverse Childhood Experiences, Childhood Trauma, Emotional Dysregulation, Juvenile Delinquency, Juvenile Justice, Psychological Trauma, And Adolescent Offending.
Page No: 72-81