A systematic approach on effect of childhood trauma on criminal behavior

All the different studies associated with linking criminal behavior to traumatic childhood experiences have depicted that there is a variety of negative aftereffects that may include mental disorders as well as destructive behavior.

In this research, a sample of 49 convicted criminalswho were sent to correctional institutes were examined via the filling of questionnaires and the frequency with which they went through traumatic experiences was recorded based on 4 different criminal categories.

The analysis affirmed clear linkage between events of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse as well as neglect in the childhood towards the development of criminal thinking in adult life as the majority of the sample criminal population belonged to the high scoring (highly traumatized) category based on their questionnaire scores.

It is clear from the results of the current research as well as review of literature of previous studies that criminal behavior can be considered as one of the negative aftereffects of childhood adversity and hence it can be incorporated with adult criminal behavior. Also, in order to prevent reoccurrences of crime by convicted criminals, treatment plans should focus on early life adversity.