Depressive Symptoms, Including Lack of Future Orientation, as Mediators in the Relationship between Adverse Life Events and Delinquent Behaviors

Abstract

The present study provided a cross-sectional examination of associations among adverse life events, depressive symptoms, and delinquency in a community sample of 123 early adolescent boys and girls. We also examined whether depressive cognitions, including hopelessness, differentially mediated the relations between exposure to adverse events and delinquent behaviors. Depressive cognitions, especially lack of future orientation, were associated with delinquent behaviors and partially mediated the relationship between adverse events and delinquent behaviors. Findings highlight the importance of future orientation among adversity-exposed youth, and suggest that interventions for trauma should focus on instilling optimism and hope as a means of reducing risk for negative outcomes, including delinquency.

Keywords:

• adolescents
• community violence
• hopelessness
• trauma
• delinquent behavior

Acknowledgment

This research was supported in part by a Ford Foundation Minority Dissertation Fellowship to the first author.