NCJ Number
105387
Journal
Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1987) Pages: 46-50
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study tests whether three new constructs -- prosocial value orientation (PSVO), prosocial behavioral orientation (PSBO), and the attitude toward teachers (ATT) -- correlate negatively with traditional measures of antisocial behavior (psychoticism, neuroticism, psychopathy, antisocial behavior, and jealousy).
Abstract
Ninety-three male and female students in grades 8-12 were administered the following scales; Psychoticism Scale, Neuroticism Scale, Psychopathy Scale, Modified Antisocial Behavior Scale, Jealousy Scale, Teacher Perception Questionnaire, Our Value Questionnaire, and Our Behavior Questionnaire. The PSVO score measured subjects' orientation toward dominant social values, and the PSBO score determined behavioral compliance with normative standards. All three of the new constructs had significant and negative correlation with the traditional measures of antisocial behavior. Low PSBO and PSVO as well as a less favorable ATT correlated with deviance. Since the traditional terms applied to persons manifesting antisocial behavior have such negative connotations, thus producing the risk of aggravating low self-esteem, the new constructs could be used to predict a person's level of social conformity without applying negative labels to those who deviate from the norm. 2 tables and 9 references.