NCJ Number
72044
Date Published
1976
Length
92 pages
Annotation
All adult male offenders entering the Virginia State Correctional System during the last third of 1975 were surveyed to determine whether birth order and family size were related to recidivism.
Abstract
A total of 401 offenders took part in the study. Data were collected via an anonymous questionnaire containing 10 questions. The questionnaire was administered by State correctional officers as part of the usual intake interview. The responses were used to assign each offender to 1 of 18 categories regarding birth order, family size and recidivism. Data were analyzed through and angular transformation of proportions followed by various Z tests. Results showed that the birth order of the first born was significantly and negatively related to recidivism. All other tests were nonsignificant. Results confirmed other studies' findings that the first born is distinctly different from other birth order positions. Family size was not found to be significantly related to recidivism. It was concluded that birth order should be considered in future studies of criminal behavior. Combining birth order data with other demographic and actuarial data might produce a prediction equation of significant scientific worth. In addition, first born inmates should be compared with later born inmates with respect to responsiveness to treatment strategies. A literature review, tables, a figure, and a list of 92 references are included.