from JAMA Network Open
It is generally believed that children are more resilient than adults when they endure adverse events, such as violence, abuse or neglect. Maybe that trauma becomes a part of who they become as adults. Doctors at UCLA Health reported to JAMA Network Open these conditions in childhood increase the risk of criminal involvement as they become young adults. They were surprised that positive childhood experiences, while important, could not overcome the harm caused by adverse experiences. Authors say there is a crucial need to prevent these harmful events in the first place or to mitigate the impact of these events before they result in criminal behavior including arrests and incarceration years later.