This study aims to investigate relationship between adverse life events and delinquent behavior among out-of-school children. This study also aimed at explaining the mediating role of callous-unemotional traits between adverse life events and delinquent behavior among out-of-school children.
Data was collected on Self-Report Delinquency Scale, Adverse Life Events Scale and Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits. Sample comprised of 350 out-of-school children from Rawalpindi and Islamabad age ranging from 10 to 17 years with mean (M = 15.5 years) and standard deviation (SD = 0.73 years). Structural validity of instruments was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis and reliability was estimated with Cronbach’s alpha. All three scales showed good structural validity and reliability indices.
The Pearson correlational analysis revealed that when children exposed to adverse life events it will increase callous-unemotional traits and delinquent behavior. The mediation analysis was carried out by using structural equation modeling in Amos. The latent variable adverse life event appears to have a significant positive indirect association with delinquent behaviors through callous-unemotional traits. It is concluded that adverse life events are associated with delinquent behaviors both directly and indirectly through callous-unemotional traits.
This study uses a cross-sectional design, which limits the ability to draw causal inferences. Longitudinal research is needed to address this limitation and better capture the developmental progression of delinquency.
This research underscores the importance of integrating psychological support with educational and vocational initiatives to address delinquency and its psychosocial roots. Programs focusing on mental health services, life skills training and peer mentoring can help mitigate the adverse effects of life events and reduce the likelihood of delinquent behaviors.
This study addresses a gap by examining how adverse life events relate to delinquent behavior among out-of-school adolescents, an underresearched high-risk group. It adds value by identifying callous-unemotional traits as a key mediating mechanism with implications for targeted interventions.
