The Scars of Childhood: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Youth Crime: A Correlational Study

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been widely recognized as significant risk factors influencing behavioral and psychosocial outcomes among adolescents, including delinquent tendencies. This study examined the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and youth crime among Grade 10 students at Dumalinao National High School. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design, data were gathered through a structured survey instrument measuring three primary ACE indicators, abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction, and manifestations of youth delinquent behavior. Descriptive statistics and Kendall’s tau-b correlation analysis were employed to determine the strength and significance of the relationship between the variables. Findings revealed a weak yet statistically significant positive correlation between adverse childhood experiences and youth crime (τ = .134, p = .026). This indicates that while ACEs exert a measurable influence on delinquent tendencies among adolescents, the magnitude of the relationship is relatively low. Nonetheless, the results support the alternative hypothesis and affirm that exposure to adverse childhood conditions contributes to increased risk of youth involvement in delinquent acts. The findings underscore the importance of strengthening early intervention initiatives, enhancing family support mechanisms, and implementing schoolbased prevention programs to mitigate the long-term impact of adverse experiences on adolescent behavior. The study contributes to the growing body of criminological literature by emphasizing the preventive role of educational institutions and community stakeholders in addressing risk factors associated with youth crime.