Goal Perceptions of Delinquents and Non Delinquents: A Comparative Study

• NCJ Number: 108079
• Journal: Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: (July 1987) Pages: 145-149
• Author(s): R Thilagaraj
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: India

Annotation

This study compared 170 delinquent boys from an Indian correctional institution with a matched group of nondelinquents from Madras high schools to study short-term versus long-range goal perceptions.

Abstract

The 170 delinquents and 170 nondelinquents ranged in age from 13 to 17. The groups were matched in terms of education and socioeconomic status. All subjects were given a goal perception test that measured clarity of goal, intensity of anticipation of achieving that goal, instrumental effort taken to reach the goal, extent of environmental factors that would help achieve the goal, and degree of expectation of final goal fulfillment. The results supported the hypothesis that delinquents seek immediate and short-cut goals, while nondelinquents seek long-range goals. While both groups perceived their goals clearly, nondelinquents were better able to perceive favorable and surmountable factors in the environment and had higher expectations for goal fulfillment. Tables and 9 references.