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

• Self-image is an important intervening mechanism in the abuse-offending link
• Self-image partially mediates the relationship between abuse and sex offending
• 42.8% of the total abuse-offending effect is explained by poor self-image

PurposeThe 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.MethodsWe utilize retrospective data from a sample of incarcerated sex offenders at a maximum security penitentiary located in Canada (N = 565).ResultsResults indicate that poor self-image in adolescence partially mediates the relationship between child maltreatment and the extent of sex offending in adulthood.ConclusionsImplications for research, theory, and policy are discussed.