The goal of this study was to examine various background factors that are associated with particular models of chronic juvenile offending. It was assumed that when chronic offending postdictors are identified, then more beneficial interventions can be developed, insofar as they are based on empirical data. In order to achieve this end, a sample of juvenile offenders, who were confined to a residential treatment facility, were examined. A statistical grouping technique was used in order to differentiate possible types of adolescent offenders, on the basis of numerous risk variables.The sample included 174 adolescents (aged 12-17) who were identified by a juvenile justice system. Information was gathered from interview data (including demographic information, family relationships, substance use, school performance, suicidal ideation/attempts, abuse history, dating history, life stressors, and religiosity), the Minnesota Multi-phasic Personality Inventory for Adolescents (MMPI-A), and juvenile justice charge and placement data. Two separate offending profiles were then developed based on juvenile justice charges and interview data. The offending groups were then compared on the MMPI-A to aid in identification of chronic offenders. Additionally, offending group differences were assessed on measures of recidivism in order to assess the utility of the offending group categories.The offending profile based on juvenile justice charges was highly differentiated on measures of recidivism and severity of placement. No significant differences on the interview data or MMPI-A score profiles were evident with this offending typology. The offending profile based on interview data was significantly differentiated on MMPI-A score profiles. No significant differences were noted on juvenile justice charges and measures of recidivism and placement. Gender differences were apparent in the second offending typology. Specifically, a sub-sample of female offenders evidenced disordered family relationships and higher rates of general pathology. Hence, implications for gender differences, as well as both the mental health and juvenile justice fields were readily evident in this study. / Department of Educational Psychology
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/174687 |
| Date | January 1999 |
| Creators | Aalsma, Matthew C. |
| Contributors | Lapsley, Daniel K. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | 131 leaves ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
| Coverage | n-us--- |
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