Scars that shape us: The role of gender in the ACE-delinquency pathway

Research on the link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and delinquency has grown substantially, yet significantly less empirical attention has been directed toward understanding whether and how the relationship differs by gender. While a small growing body of scholarship has examined this question, evidence of a gendered relationship between ACEs and delinquency remains inconsistent. These discrepancies are likely due to methodological differences across studies, including whether well-established correlates of delinquency are accounted for. The current study addresses these limitations. Using survey data from a large, statewide representative sample of high school students in Florida ( N = 20,564), we examine how gender shapes the association between ACEs and delinquency. ACEs were positively associated with delinquency, with each additional ACE linked to a significant increase in delinquent behavior. Although females reported higher ACE scores, males consistently showed stronger behavioral responses, with significantly higher delinquency rates across all ACE scores. While the gender gap remained stable, a slight narrowing at higher ACE exposure did not reach statistical significance, suggesting that ACEs are important for both males and females but relate to delinquency in gender-specific ways, particularly at lower to moderate ACE levels. We discuss the implications of these findings for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies targeting ACEs. • ACEs are positively linked to delinquency in a large statewide sample of Florida high school students. • Females report moreACEs than males, yet males show higher delinquency across all ACE exposure levels. • The ACE–delinquency link is stronger for males, especially at low to moderate ACE scores. • Estimates adjust for key criminogenic factors, including self-control, peers, parenting, school ties, and attitudes. • Findings highlight the need of trauma-informed and gender-responsive delinquency prevention efforts.