NCJ Number
225839
Journal
New Directions for Youth Development Issue: 119 Dated: Fall 2008 Pages: 111-128
Date Published
2008
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Drawing on relevant theoretical work, this study explored the possible roots of an exaggerated need for autonomy among adolescents, hypothesized to lead to acts of crime and violence.
Abstract
Relevant work in adolescent development and criminological theory suggests that the roots of a strong need for autonomy could be traced in part to a lack or denial of recognition, including lack of emotional warmth and support, unfair or unequal treatment, and the perception of being regarded as unworthy or insignificant by others. The results are significant for several reasons: (1) the recognition theory of violence provides a useful framework for understanding the development of attitudes that are conducive to violent behavior; (2) the findings may have implications for the control and prevention of youth violence; and (3) they encourage additional research on the role of autonomy needs in the production of antisocial behavior. Over the past few decades, the autonomy needs of adolescents have received increased attention among criminologists. A number of contemporary theorists identify youths’ need for autonomy as a fundamental motivation for criminal and delinquent involvement. This study examined two hypotheses: (1) perceived recognition denial was positively associated with the development of a strong need for autonomy and (2) a strong need for autonomy was associated with the development of violent behavior. To assess the plausibility of these hypotheses, data were drawn from the Youth in Transition (YIT) survey, a multiwave panel survey based on a nationwide sample of male public high school students in the United States. 1 table, 1 figure, 1 appendix, and 44 notes