Adolescent Experience and Adult Criminality - Testing the Role of Self-concept

• NCJ Number: 80091
• Author(s): F R Hellum; J L Galvin; K Polk
• Date Published: 1978
• Length: 39 pages
• Grant Number(s): MH14806
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health, Education, and Welfare
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented at The Cohort Session of The Stockholm Criminology Symposium, August 11, 1978.

Annotation

Following a literature review of labeling theory, this report presents findings from a longitudinal study that tested the hypothesis that self-concept functions as mediating variable in transmitting the labeling experience.

Abstract

According to labeling theory, a juvenile whose behavior is negatively labeled by powerful societal rituals, such as criminal justice processing, is more likely to repeat and enlarge upon deviant behavior than an adolescent who engages in such behavior without undergoing the ritual of negative labeling. This suggests that self-concept is affected by powerful societal reactions to one's behavior and that self-concept is an important variable in determining the character of behavior. In the study reported, the major variables of the labeling experience, self-concept, and the occurrence of more deviant behavior were independently measured in a longitudinal study of sufficient duration for change in the dependent variable (further deviant behavior) to be observed. The study involved a followup of 304 delinquent youth in a Pacific Northwest county who had undergone the labeling experience (official delinquency involvement) and for whom further deviance (adult criminal record) could be measured. These youth also responded to a question designed to measure delinquent self-image. A 100-percent followup of the sample yielded 290 who had either no adult arrest record or had some form of adult civilian criminal involvement. Fourteen who had only military offense records were excluded. Of the 290, a total of 255 responded to the item concerning delinquent self-image. The data do not support the hypothesis that self-concept functions as a mediating variable in transmitting the labeling experience, since delinquent self-image did not appear to intervene in the relationship between delinquent involvement and adult criminality. Alternative explanations of the role of self-concept are considered. Tabular and graphic data and 23 references are provided.