Undercontrol and Overcontrol in Assaultive and Homicidal Adolescents

• NCJ Number: 95494
• Author(s): E I Migargee
• Date Published: 1964
• Length: 145 pages
• Sale Source: UMI Dissertation Services
• Publication Type: Thesis/Dissertation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: University of California, Berkeley - doctoral dissertation

Annotation

Habitually aggressive people are more likely to commit mild or moderately aggressive acts, while the chronically overcontrolled are more likely to aggress in an extreme or homicidal fashion.

Abstract

A group of 9 extremely assaultive and 21 moderately assaultive male juveniles detained in a California juvenile hall were compared with control groups of 26 nonviolent delinquents detained for property offenses and 20 unmanageable 'incorrigibles.' Data came from interviews, histories, behavior observations, and completion of a variety of psychological assessment instruments. The highly aggressive acts of overcontrolled persons resulted from successive frustrations over time. However, the prediction of aggressive behavior is difficult. The usefulness of psychological tests varies with the setting in which they are used. Typical correctional institutions are not likely to correct the problems of overcontrolled offenders, who must learn to cope with and express aggressive feelings in milder ways. Extensive tabular data, survey instruments, and a 67-item bibliography are provided.