NCJ Number
139771
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 37 Issue: 6 Dated: (November 1992) Pages: 1633-1639
Date Published
1992
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This Spanish study examined the importance of factors related to family conflicts in the genesis of juvenile social maladjustment.
Abstract
A total of 189 juveniles (110 boys and 79 girls) from training schools connected with the juvenile court in Murcia, Spain, were studied. The subjects' ages ranged from 11 to 18 years. Each of the subjects underwent individual clinical psychological examination as well as psychometric and psychobiographical studies. Sociofamilial and school backgrounds were noted as well as previous history of antisocial behavior. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was administered to each subject to determine the anxiety state and the anxiety trait. Two tutors in daily contact with the subjects assessed various areas of behavior (impulsiveness, peer sociability, conflict, and overall behavior during confinement). Statistical analysis was performed with the following biomedical computer programs: simple analysis of frequencies, association between variables, multivariate analysis, and discriminant analysis. Of the total sample, 28.6 percent cited antecedents of parental separation, and 48.1 percent mentioned family conflict. The most common pattern of conflict was physical aggression. A total of 40.7 percent of the subjects reported alcoholism in the family setting. The study found a significant correlation between family conflict variables and maladaptive behaviors and attitudes. For subjects who had experienced family conflict, aggression was reflected in their behavior, norms, values, and attitudes. 6 tables and 27 references