NCJ Number
121847
Journal
Corrective and Social Psychiatry and Journal of Behavior Technology Methods and Therapy Volume: 35 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1989) Pages: 12-17
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A study was conducted in a Southern metropolitan city public housing project to determine the attitudes of young black males toward school, church, and crime as well as to develop a sociodemographic profile of these juveniles.
Abstract
The sampling technique used was availability sampling of participants from an ongoing program in the public housing project. A total of 383 youths participated. Eighty percent who completed valid questionnaires were 13 and 14 year-olds. Twenty percent were either younger (10 years) or older (16 years). The majority of the youths lived in female-headed households. Data were collected through a 6-week program designed to enhance self-esteem and prevent school dropout, drug abuse, and teenage pregnancy for at-risk black male juveniles. The majority of the sample showed positive attitudes toward church and school and a negative (low approval) toward crime. They also reported a low level of involvement in criminal activities; however, they had experienced a high level of exposure to crimes by having seen them committed and by having had family members criminally victimized. 16 tables, 14-item bibliography.