NCJ Number
88658
Date Published
1983
Length
123 pages
Annotation
Juvenile offenders evaluated by a psychological consultant to a juvenile probation department demonstrate a wide variety of psychological patterns and problems, each suggesting a different treatment approach.
Abstract
Some of the cases appear to express subcultural values rather than any psychological problems. Others appear to have deep psychological problems. Still others appear to have genetic, neurological, or psychological developmental insufficiencies. Specific problems include identity problems such as doubts about masculinity and conflicts about growing up, implusiveness and pleasure-seeking, low tolerance for frustration, immature personality, inadequate personality, and schizoid personality. Other juvenile offenders are psychotics or near psychotics or had antisocial personalities. School is generally the first place where the future delinquent's behavior deteriorates. Parents of delinquents also display some inadequate parenting patterns, ranging from a lack of consistent parenting to excessive strictness. Suggested treatment methods, a review of research on the causes of juvenile delinquency, an index, and 33 references are included.