Abstract
This study explores whether family processes (i.e., parental attachment and parental discipline/monitoring) serve as protective factors between the relationship of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adolescent delinquency. Prior research has established an association between ACEs and many negative life outcomes, including delinquent behavior, while strong parental attachment and parental discipline/monitoring are linked to lower rates of delinquency. However, the interplay of these three factors has been understudied. Drawing on data from the 2024 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) (N=22,016), this study examines the relationship between ACEs, family processes, and delinquency using negative binomial regression models. Results indicate that parental discipline/monitoring moderates the relationship between ACEs and delinquency, whereas parental attachment does not. Together, these findings highlight that behavioral regulation in the form of parental discipline and monitoring may buffer the criminogenic consequences of ACEs, while emotional attachment alone does not consistently function as a protective resource in high-strain environments.
Degree
MS
College and Department
Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Sociology
Rights
https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Johnson, Tessa, "Family Processes as a Protective Factor Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adolescent Delinquency" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 11198.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/11198
Date Submitted
2026-04-15
Document Type
Thesis
Permanent Link
https://arks.lib.byu.edu/ark:/34234/q24380a5b4
Keywords
adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), delinquency, family processes
Language
english