Adolescent self-image as a mediator between childhood maltreatment and adult sexual offending

Purpose: The link between maltreatment and offending has been well established in the literature, with research examining the etiology of criminal behavior consistently documenting the negative effects of experiencing trauma early in life. Theoretically, ideas behind the cycle of violence hypothesis have greatly contributed to our understanding of this connection; however, there is a lack of understanding of the mechanisms underlying this relationship. We address this research gap by examining the mediating role that adolescent mental health, particularly self-image, plays in the relationship between child maltreatment and subsequent adult sex offending. Methods: We utilize retrospective data froth a sample of incarcerated sex offenders at a maximum security penitentiary located in Canada (N = 565). Results: Results indicate that poor self-image in adolescence partially mediates the relationship between child maltreatment and the extent of sex offending in adulthood. Conclusions: Implications for research, theory, and policy are discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved