NCJ Number
110726
Date Published
1987
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study presents evidence to support the use of retrospective research designs to study the transition from delinquency to adult deviance.
Abstract
Delinquency rates based on juveniles' responses to the Richmond Youth Study in 1965 are compared to the rates derived from retrospective accounts of delinquency provided by adults in the 1981-82 Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study. The Richmond Youth Survey was administered to junior and senior high school students in western Contra Costa County, Calif. The adolescent self reports of delinquency are drawn from this survey. The 1981-82 Epidemiologic Catchment Area survey involved retrospective accounts of juvenile delinquency obtained from a representative sample of adult householders in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The comparisons between the two studies were enhanced by controlling for race, sex, birth cohort, and the greater period at risk of delinquency experienced by the adult respondents. The item specific pattern of adolescent behavior recalled by adult respondents in 1981-82 is similar to that reported by adolescents in 1965. Although adults' recall of a delinquent incident are reliable, reports of the age at which an incident occurred were less accurate. Researchers who wish to use adult retrospective accounts of delinquency may do so with confidence that these self-reports are valid or at least consistent with adolescent self-reports. 3 tables, 3 notes, and 9 references.