Typology of Family Social Environments for Institutionalized Juvenile Delinquents: Implications for Research and Treatment

• NCJ Number: 139846
• Journal: Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 21 Issue: 5 Dated: (October 1992) Pages: 593-607
• Author(s): C Veneziano; L Veneziano
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The Family Environment Scale was administered to a sample of 411 male juvenile delinquents, aged 12!15, who were being institutionalized in a State correctional facility. The data were used to examine family functioning and to develop a typology of family social environments using cluster analysis.

Abstract

The analysis yielded 7 clusters, which classified 386 of the subjects. Cluster 1 suggested an environment close to the norm group of families, except that they avoided the expression of anger and scored low on the conflict scale. These delinquents did not have long histories of offense, their institutional behaviors were appropriate, and the vast majority were first offenders. The second cluster was comprised of juveniles whose families advocated independence and achievement by setting rules that were not open to discussion. These delinquents had the highest IQs but lowest scores in terms of academic achievement; they tended to be recidivists. Families in the third cluster exerted strong efforts to control their children, but discouraged independence; this group was the most accepting of middle- class values. The fourth cluster was characterized by very high conflict scores; these delinquents had the lowest IQ, lowest knowledge of social skills and moral reasoning, and highest measures of anger and impulsivity. Delinquents in the fifth cluster scored high on both conflict and control; they had the worst scores on the personality/social measures. The sixth cluster was characterized by little expression of feelings, little involvement in activities outside the home, and mild attempts at maintenance and control. The last cluster had the highest percentage of blacks, lowest level of academic achievement, lowest verbal skills, lowest anger scores, and highest knowledge of social skills. Their families made unusually strong efforts to structure their lives. 3 tables, 38 references, and 1 appendix