NCJ Number
95684
Journal
Corrective and Social Psychiatry and Journal of Behavior Technology Methods and Therapy Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: (1984) Pages: 60-65
Date Published
1984
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Literature on delinquents' self-concept is reviewed, and results are presented from a study that examined the influence of two selected variables, length of confinement and sex, on the self-concept scores of incarcerated youths in one State.
Abstract
Study data were obtained by administering the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale to residents of three juvenile correctional facilities. The General Linear Model of the Statistical Analysis System was the analysis technique used. The mean self-concept scores for all subjects without regard to sex or length of commitment was 52.21, well within the normal range (40 to 60) for the scale. However, females had consistently lower self-concept scores than males from the point of initial institutional commitment through 15 or more months. The mean score for females at the time of entry was 10.36 points lower than the males' mean scores. Throughout their stay at the institutions, females experienced a steady improvement in self-concept. The mean increase for females from initial commitment through 15 or more months was 5.82; the increase for males was only 1.33. Differences between the groups are explained primarily by sex rather than length of confinement. In general, the study findings do not support the theory that delinquents experience a low self-concept compared with nondelinquent youths. Three tables and 25 references are included.