NCJ Number
126531
Journal
Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology Volume: 48 Dated: (1957) Pages: 18-25
Date Published
1957
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a pilot study of delinquency that resulted in a profile of nondelinquent sixth grade boys who reside in high delinquency areas in Columbus, Ohio. The study collected information through interviews with teachers, mothers, the boys, and through the delinquency proneness and social responsibility scales of the Gough California Psychological Inventory.
Abstract
Out of the 192 students nominated by 30 sixth grade teachers, 125 were considered as insulated from delinquent behavior. The insulated boy is portrayed as one who is thought of as good, conventional, law-abiding, and mostly isolated from delinquent companionship. An examination of background characteristics of the 125 families presents data in terms of family integration and stability, affectional relationships in the family, the boy's attitudes and conceptions of self, and the nature of his interpersonal relationships outside the home. The development of the good boy profile is attributed to close maternal supervision, harmonious and stable family relationships, and an unusually firm presentation of non-deviant values to the exclusion of others. 4 references, 4 notes, and 1 table