NCJ Number
186823
Journal
Research in Crime and Delinquency Volume: 37 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2000 Pages: 3-30
Date Published
February 2000
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This article organizes the extant delinquency literature within a problem-solving framework, shows how a problem-solving perspective can increase the understanding of the nature of adolescence-limited delinquency, and offers a number of novel research hypotheses to guide future research.
Abstract
The author argues that by interpreting much delinquency as a form of problem-solving behavior, in contrast to a symptom of pathology or disorder, several important features of adolescent deviance are highlighted. The problem-solving perspective explained in this article focuses on the rational faculties of individual actors. It views actors, including delinquents, as goal-oriented and self-regulating entities. In pursuit of various goals, youths strive to overcome obstacles, contend with adversity, and adjust to life circumstances or "problems in living." Moreover, youths may elect to pursue conventional or delinquent solutions to problems of goal attainment. Coping forms of behavior develop to make particular life experiences bearable. Thus, like other forms of behavior, delinquency is viewed as purposeful action that is meaningful to the actor. The author provides evidence of delinquent problem-solving, identifies the factors that affect the likelihood of delinquent problem-solving, accounts for the age-crime relationship from a problem-solving perspective, and makes predictions and proposes strategies for future research. 7 notes and 120 references