Early Childhood Trauma, Attachment Insecurity, Emotional Dysregulation, and Substance Abuse as Predictors of Delinquent Behaviour among Adolescents in Foster Care in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

The study evaluated early childhood trauma, attachment insecurity, emotional dysregulation, and substance abuse as predictors of delinquent behaviour among adolescents in foster care in Ibadan. Using a correlational research design, 150 adolescents aged between twelve and eighteen from Ibadan foster care institutions were purposively sampled to conduct the study. Standardised instruments - Childhood Trauma Questionnaire; Attachment Insecurity Scale; Emotional Dysregulation Scale; and Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory were harnessed to assess the key variables. Positive correlations were revealed by results that showed key predictor variables and delinquent behaviour. In this respect, multiple regression analysis was adopted in which the combination of predictors accounted for 62% of the variance in delinquent behaviour, with early childhood trauma emerging as the strongest predictor (β = .325), followed by emotional dysregulation (β = .309), attachment insecurity (β = .228), and substance abuse (β = .187). The results indicate that the above-mentioned variables contribute significantly to delinquent behaviour in foster care adolescents, calling for further action and intervention efforts. Hence, the critical requirement of the research is viewed as having implications for trauma, emotional regulation, attachment issues, and substance use among aspiring delinquent behaviours within this vulnerable group.