Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston University / The purpose of this study is to conduct an investigation into the intellectual functioning of delinquent children. An attempt is made to develop some notions from psychoanalytic theory which may, in part, explain the deficiency in academic achievement that is typical of this group. The psychoanalytic theory of delinquent character formation contains no suggestion that the factors which lead to delinquent character also produce an impairment in learning ability. A basic premise in this theory, however, is that the ego of the delinquent has suffered a defect in object relationships, or, the ability to form relationships with other persons. It is felt that this factor may interfere in the learning of delinquents in the typical school situation. Psychoanalysis views delinquency as normal, but relatively infantile human behavior. Activity which in older children and adults is considered to be asocial is normal in the behavior of young children. In this sense, delinquency is understood to be an expression of relatively primitive instinctual impulses. In the development of the child, these impulses are subjected to increasing modification. This is mediated by persons in the environment of the child through whom the child learns that certain behavior is unacceptable, and other behavior which can be substituted is more appropriate. As the result of this process, defense mechanisms are developed within the psychic structure of the child which rechannel instinctual energy in a variety of ways. Delinquency is conceived to occur under two kinds of conditions: (1) in cases where these defenses are inadequately developed, and (2) where once adequate defenses have failed. In the former case, there is conceived to be an early disturbance in the ego development of the child which occurs because of grossly inconsistent maternal care from a mother who alternately over-indulges and then leaves her child's needs unfulfilled for lengthy periods. As the result of this experience, the child's object relationships remain subordinate to his demands for gratification of instincts; he remains bound by the "pleasure principle." Such children are considered to be character-disorder delinquents. Their delinquencies begin early since only limited modification of impulses has occurred. [TRUNCATED]

This study assesses the relationship between parental supervision and children's delinquency. Data used in this study came from interviews with 99 parents from the Denton city area of Texas in 2003. A probability sample of 53 was contacted by way of randomly selected residential telephone numbers. In addition, 46 parents were non-randomly selected. Parents were asked about how much time they spent supervising and engaging in activities with their children and whether or not the oldest child exhibited delinquent behavior such as fighting, playing hooky, and being sent to detention or the principal's office. The study found that the more time parents spend in supervision and in engaging activities with their daughters, the less likely these children were to exhibit delinquent behavior. This was consistent with previous research. However, the level of delinquency of boys increased with the increase in the amount of parental supervision time, especially by fathers.

This dissertation looks at crime and juvenile delinquency in basic schools in the Klatovy District. The theoretical section gives a concise appraisal of Act No. 218/2003 Coll., on Juvenile Justice, as well as the internal and external factors potentially influencing the socially pathological behaviour of young people. The study examines current patterns of youth criminality in the Czech Republic and developing trends connected with the issue over recent years, which it then briefly compares to the wider EU experience. The possibilities for intervention work by government departments dealing with education, the police and the justice system with young people at risk is studied in the subsequent chapter. The overall aim of the dissertation is to map the occurrence of predominantly minor offences and juvenile delinquency at basic schools in the Klatovy District in terms of gender, as I suspect that this indicator will feature strongly in the structure of socially pathological youth behaviour. Research was used to determine young people{\crq}s awareness regarding liability for their actions, and what kinds of offences or delinquent activities they most frequently perpetrate. An anonymous questionnaire with 32 closed, half-open and open format questions was used to collect data, and was presented to 303 respondents in years 7, 8 and 9 at five different basic schools. Of the total number of students, 49% were female and 51% male. Schools were deliberately chosen to fulfil the task set by the dissertation, i.e. the question of gender was a primary concern. The aim of the questionnaire was to find out what kinds of socially pathological activities are perpetrated by youths at basic school, and based on the subsequent findings, to decide whether current intervention work with young people at risk in the Klatovy District is sufficient. The research itself corresponds in several areas with data available from the Youth Crime Prevention Officer. In particular, it confirms that delinquency often involves driving motor vehicles without driving licences and the consumption of alcohol. The survey investigation demonstrated young people{\crq}s ignorance of the various age thresholds of criminal liability for their actions, the ascendancy of petty theft, aggression towards classmates and the consumption of illegal drugs. The research points to the conclusion that intervention and work with these groups of young people at risk in the Klatovy District, in terms of preventing illegal drug use and therapy, is insufficient, which similarly applies to the prevention of petty theft, consumption of alcohol, bullying and driving without a valid licence. The elimination of such pathological behaviour will only be successful provided that closer contact is established between school students and prevention workers (school psychologists, counsellors, etc.), as well as other potential organisations, such as the Czech Police, anti-drug co-ordinators and social workers.