NCJ Number
87082
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 33 Issue: 4 Dated: (Summer 1982) Pages: 63-66
Date Published
1982
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study assesses differences of alcohol involvement between residents of a juvenile correctional facility committed for crimes against persons and residents committed for other crimes.
Abstract
The subjects were two groups of 20 residents between the ages of 12-18. All subjects were anonymously administered the 14-question AAIS Test (Mayer, 1976), which assesses drinking involvement. None of the participants in the two groups scored in the minimal or nonuse category for alcohol use. A total of 65 percent of those who committed crimes against persons scored in the alcohol misuse category, as did 85 percent of the 'other' offenders, indicating that the majority of the subjects in both groups use alcohol to the extent that it has interfered with their psychological functioning, social relations, or family living. Statistical analysis did not find significant differences between the two groups in alcohol misuse, so there is no indicated relationship between alcohol use and severity of the delinquent offense. The high incidence of alcohol misuse among the delinquent sample, however, should alert corrections professionals to the role alcohol misuse can play in hindering adolescent adjustment or exacerbating delinquent behavior. The juvenile corrections system should develop programs to deal with this significant problem. Tabular data and five references are provided.