Bidang Kajian : Kanak-kanak
Pelajar/Pengkaji Oleh: Fadwa Amani Binti Abdul Rahim
Alamat Emel: fadwaamani68@gmail.com
Tarikh: 03/03/2026
Abstrak Kajian
In Malaysia, adolescent delinquency has emerged as a significant social concern, exhibiting an alarming trend. Past studies have demonstrated the role of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) (i.e., abuse, neglect, or dysfunctional families) in increasing the likelihood of delinquency. However, there were limited studies on explaining the mediating mechanism of this relationship. Thus, this study employed 115 Malaysian male adolescents aged between 13 to 19 years old, in four different juvenile detention centres across Malaysia. Guided by Osgood and Anderson’s (1996) Unstructured Socializing Theory (UST), this study aimed to examine the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Unstructured Socialising Activities (USAs), and delinquency, together with the possible mediating mechanism of USAs. Moreover, three instruments were utilised: Malay-Translated Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-Q) for Teenagers, the Malay Version of Unstructured Socialising (Routine Activity) Scale, and the Malaysian-Adapted Self-Reported Delinquency Scale. Pearson’s correlation and Hayes PROCESS Macro were used to analyse the data. Results demonstrated a significant positive relationship between ACEs and delinquency, and between USAs and delinquency. However, ACEs were not significantly linked with USAs, which resulted in an unsupported mediation process. The study also emphasised the significance of addressing ACEs and USAs in intervention programmes.
Keywords: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Unstructured Socialising Activities (USAs), delinquency, Unstructured Socializing Theory (UST), juvenile delinquents, juvenile detention centres