Ungdomsbrottslighet och återfall i brott : En scoping review av risk- och skyddsfaktorer och dess betydelse

Sammanfattning

Juvenile delinquency and recidivism continue to constitute central challenges for social work and societal interventions targeting young people. This scoping review aims to map research on risk and protective factors associated with youth offending and reoffending. The results show that several individual risk factors increase the likelihood of criminal behavior, particularly mental health problems and substance use. Aggression, norm-breaking behavior, early onset of offending, and high offense frequency also emerge as significant factors. Adverse childhood experiences (ACE), such as violence, family dysfunction and social disadvantage, are strongly linked to development of a criminal lifestyle as is insecure attachment to parents. In addition to individual and family related factors, social and structural risk factors are identified, including lack of prosocial relationships, gang affiliation, and demographic variables such as age and gender. Young males as well as youths belonging to minority groups or under legal supervision are at higher risk of recidivism. Protective factors, such as strong family relationships, school attachment, social support, empathy, and positive future expectations can reduce the risk of criminal behavior and reoffending. Structured interventions, such as multisystemic therapy, are also highlighted as important components in preventive work. Positive childhood experiences (PCE) are emphasized as an opportunity to promote resilience among youth exposed to high levels of adversity. In conclusion, the study shows that juvenile delinquency and recidivism need to be understood as the result of a complex interaction between individual, family, and structural factors. The findings may contribute to identifying youth at risk and developing more effective preventive interventions. Furthermore, the need for continued research in a Swedish context is emphasized given the increase in juvenile delinquency and the involvement of increasingly younger individuals in crime.