Adverse childhood experiences, moral disengagement and the dark triad in justice-involved youth: a structural mediation model

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), moral disengagement (MD) and dark triad (DT) traits among Colombian justice-involved youth. Specifically, it tested whether MD mediates the association between ACEs and DT traits within a structural equation modeling framework. Design/methodology/approach Participants were 223 justice-involved adolescents (92.8% male; M = 17.89 years, SD = 1.56) detained in a specialized residential facility within the Colombian Adolescent Criminal Responsibility System. ACEs, MD and DT traits were assessed using validated self-report measures. Structural equation modeling with bootstrap estimation was used to examine direct and indirect associations. Findings Most participants (93.3%) reported at least one ACE, and nearly half reported five or more. MD significantly mediated the association between ACEs and DT traits. The proposed structural model explained 67% of the variance in DT traits, supporting the role of MD as a socio-cognitive mechanism linking early adversity to maladaptive personality characteristics among justice-involved youth. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional design precludes causal inferences, and all variables were assessed through self-report measures. Future longitudinal studies should examine the temporal relationships among ACEs, MD and personality development while incorporating additional contextual and developmental factors associated with offending trajectories. Practical implications The findings suggest that interventions with justice-involved youth should address not only childhood adversity but also modifiable socio-cognitive processes such as MD. Programs aimed at strengthening moral reasoning, responsibility for harmful actions and perspective-taking may reduce the impact of ACEs on maladaptive personality characteristics associated with offending. Social implications The high prevalence of ACEs among justice-involved youth highlights the importance of early prevention and trauma-informed approaches within juvenile justice systems. Addressing the psychological consequences of childhood adversity may contribute to reducing persistent antisocial trajectories and promoting more effective rehabilitation and social reintegration. Originality/value This study integrates ACEs, MD and DT traits within a single structural model in a Latin American sample of justice-involved youth. It provides evidence that MD represents a key socio-cognitive mechanism linking childhood adversity to maladaptive personality traits, extending previous research conducted primarily in community samples and high-income countries.