NCJ Number
72099
Date Published
1976
Length
116 pages
Annotation
This study examined 48 juvenile delinquents in one Oklahoma county to identify factors predictive of serious delinquency.
Abstract
Study subjects had all been referred to the Payne County Court and subsequently to Payne County Youth Services for investigation and treatment. Subjects were divided into four categories according to their offenses's seriousness. Study instruments included an intelligence test, an oral reading test, and an existential position inventory. Demographic data were obtained via interviews with the subjects. The study hypothesis was that juveniles committing more serious offenses would be males characterized by low church attendance, poor grades, low IQ, low reading level, broken homes, and middle birth order. Results unexpectedly showed that family income was positively correlated with the commission of felonies. All other hypotheses were rejected. Juvenile offenders from high income families attend church more often, had higher IQ test scores, had higher reading levels, had higher grade averages, and committed more serious offenses. Findings suggested that public schools should assume more responsibility in the identification and treatment of the early symptoms of later trouble. State juvenile correctional institutions should conduct research on both identification factors and treatment effectiveness. Research should focus on serious and repeat offenders. Study results and a literature review both indicated that delinquency prediction based on examination of a few environmental factors is highly inaccurate. Tables, a bibliography listing 108 references, and appendixes presenting study instruments and additional results are included.