From Adolescence to Adulthood: Examining Future Orientation Trajectories and Their Influencing Factors Among Serious Juvenile Offenders

Existing research on future orientation inventory among serious juvenile offenders has predominantly focused on individual predictors, necessitating a broader understanding of their developmental trajectories and influencing factors. Utilizing data from the Pathways to Desistance study (n = 1,354, 80.8% male), this study employed latent growth curve modeling to examine future orientation trajectories across four waves. Findings reveal a general positive growth in future orientation, with notable individual differences in both initial levels and growth rates. Baseline Parental warmth, friendship quality, and self-reliance positively influence initial future orientation, while Hispanic identity shows negative associations. These results highlight the importance of targeted interventions aimed at fostering resilience, enhancing peer support, and promoting long-term planning among juvenile offenders.