Psychosocial Contributors to Delinquent Decision Making: Toward a Conceptual Framework for Adolescent Female Offending

• NCJ Number: 242009
• Journal: Women & Criminal Justice Volume: 22 Issue: 4 Dated: October - December 2012 Pages: 265-288
• Author(s): Brett Johnson Solomon; Jannee Campero; Jasmin Llamas; Carrie Brecht Sweetser
• Date Published: October 2012
• Length: 24 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the psychosocial characteristics that contribute to delinquent decisionmaking.

Abstract

The integration of psychosocial characteristics that play a critical role in delinquent decisionmaking is crucial to conceptualizing adolescent female offending. This study found that adolescent female offenders (N = 213), despite making a delinquent decision, had high perceived decisionmaking competence. There was a significant negative association between delinquent decisionmaking and the psychosocial characteristics of anger, substance abuse, and depression. This association was stronger for those with more exposure to trauma. Substance abuse appeared to provide a pathway between psychosocial characteristics and delinquent decisionmaking. The results emphasize the fact that a conceptual framework for adolescent female offending should incorporate the complex interaction of psychosocial characteristics and their impact on delinquent decisionmaking. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.