Differences Between Male and Female Juvenile Offenders as Measured by the BASC

• NCJ Number: 192351
• Journal: Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 33 Issue: 2 Dated: 2001 Pages: 87-96
• Author(s): Georgia B. Calhoun
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study is an examination of behavioral and emotional differences between male and female juvenile offenders using a self-report personality inventory.

Abstract

The hypothesis of the study is that female offenders are presenting with different treatment needs than their male counterparts. The purpose is to identify differences in male and female offenders as reported on the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC); and make preliminary suggestions for differential treatment planning for female juvenile offenders. Participants were 88 male and female youth who were receiving counseling as a result of referrals from probation officers or judges. The BASC was administered as part of the intake procedure utilized in the counseling process. The BASC is a multimethod, multidimensional approach to the evaluation of the behavior and personality of children aged 4 to 18 and includes both positive (adaptive) as well as negative (clinical) dimensions. The findings were consistent with the notion that the psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues that female juvenile offenders report are significantly different than the issues reported by male juvenile offenders. The female juvenile offenders demonstrated a significantly higher external locus of control than did the males, indicating a perception that events in their lives are determined by people and circumstances outside of their own control. They also demonstrated higher levels of social stress, anxiety, and depression. They had the perception of being less valued in their family and reported lower self-esteem than the males. These findings support the critical need for differential programming for female juvenile offenders. Appropriate gender specific programming should include an emphasis on the importance of both the intrafamilial and extrafamilial relationships in a female’s life. Also, programming emphasizing empowerment may be an important antidote to the vulnerabilities identified in this study. 1 figure, 2 tables, 16 references