This is a summary of an article published in Social Work , Volume 35, Number 3, May 1990. This research was presented at the 1990 Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Denver, Colorado. The authors examine the causal link between child abuse and delinquency and present evidence that indicates a bi-directional relationship exists between child abuse and delinquency. Background Research Physically abused children are often more aggressive toward peers and adults, significantly less compliant, and have less impulse control compared to nonabused children.
Some researchers question if aggression results from or precipitates child abuse.
Other studies found that not all children in a family are abused, thus suggesting that the individual characteristics of a child may elicit abuse. Premature, ill, and low-birthweight infants were found to be more at risk for abuse than normal newborns. Older children may experience abuse because of appearance, temperament and behavior. Definitions of child abuse and delinquency vary according to the agency assigning the label. Juvenile court records, medical records, case file information, and self-reports often use different criteria for classification.