This exploratory study designed to disclose new directions for further research and practice in the field of juvenile delinquency. By exploring through limited depth interview the attitudinal areas of authority, fear, aspirations for the future, obstacles to be overcome, capabilities, societal ideals and therapy the project attempted: (1) to elicit, from adjudged juvenile delinquents, information different from that usually sought by public societal agencies and (2) to evaluate the depth interview as a means of eliciting such material. Specific criteria were established for choosing fifteen interviewees , selected from three methods of dealing, with juvenile delinquency: probation, institutionalization and parole. Depth interviews were conducted in a laboratory setting with which the respondents were familiarized prior to the interview. Open-end questions allowed latitude for pursuing the boys' spontaneous responses. The degree of observer reliability was based on the use of standardized schedules on which each observer evaluated the responses of each interviewee. Conclusions which tended to substantiate prior findings were that generally these delinquents had a low self concept and had the most difficulty in interpersonal relationships. Although they saw their problems as being internal, they projected their troubles onto external factors. Noticeably minimal were identification with parent figures and ability to plan for the future. Further examination of the discrepancies between the delinquents' frames ot reference and those of the elements of society concerned with delinquency, and the current efficacy of social work techniques in treating the problems of delinquency were indicated. Findings of this study suggest that further research into all seven attitudinal areas would help to clarify the problems and treatment of juvenile delinquents.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:pdx.edu/oai:pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu:open_access_etds-1118 |
| Date | 01 January 1964 |
| Creators | Allen, Alice, Altorfer, Jean, Brickey, Jerry, Cumpston, Lee, Katz, Suse, Mitchell, Bertha, Plummer, Bernadette, Powell, Alden, Selling, Carolyn |
| Publisher | PDXScholar |
| Source Sets | Portland State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Dissertations and Theses |
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