Comparison of Delinquent Prostitutes and Delinquent Non-Prostitutes on Self-Concept (From Gender Issues, Sex Offenses, and Criminal Justice - Current Trends, P 89-101, 1984, Sol Chaneles, ed. - See NCJ-96412)

• NCJ Number: 96418
• Author(s): D S Bour; J P Young; R Henningsen
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented at the annual meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, San Antonio, Texas, March 22-26, 1983.

Annotation

This study examined differences between delinquent prostitutes and delinquent nonprostitutes. It found that delinquent prostitutes differed from delinquent nonprostitutes in several respects, particularly their earlier age at first intercourse and their less common use of drugs.

Abstract

Study data came from 50 female recidivists (25 were prostitutes and 25 were nonprostitutes) detained at an upstate New York secure detention facility. They ranged from 13 to 15 years of age. The subjects completed the Tennessee Self Concept Scale. Demographic data came from their records and from answers to a research questionnaire. The two groups were similar in total self-concept scores, but the prostitute group had significantly higher scores on the Physical Self scale. The groups did not differ demographically or in terms of the self-concept regarding the variables of physical or sexual abuse from parents. Parental absence was also not a significant factor. The groups were also similar in their IQ levels, and a majority of both groups aspired to conventional lifestyles and believed that they could achieve such lifestyles. The study recommends that programs dealing with juvenile prostituti should include strict legal discipline to dissuade potential prostitutes and efforts to provide prostitutes with education, vocational skills, guidance, and healthy homes. Strong, positive roles models are needed to help these delinquents adopt mainstream values. Data tables and 23 references are supplied.