NCJ Number
136856
Date Published
Unknown
Length
20 pages
Annotation
The International Self-Report Delinquency (ISRD) instrument contains questions on deviant and violent behavior.
Abstract
The ISRD can be applied cross-nationally, and it contains 45 items with tested translations into several languages. Appropriate psychometric properties of the instrument, however, have yet to be established, and variability of the instrument's utility across populations needs to be tested. Questions on deviant behavior deal with participating in activities that are not permitted, such as skipping school, traveling on a bus or train without paying, driving a car without a license, and spraying graffiti. Questions on violent behavior concern carrying a weapon, threatening someone, fighting, setting a fire intentionally, beating up someone, and hurting someone with a knife or weapon. Pilot studies of the ISRD in California and Nebraska have differentiated serious and nonserious juvenile offenders. It is envisioned that nine countries will be involved in the next round of studies using the ISRD. The goal will be to compare delinquent and criminal activities and incarceration rates across countries. 4 references and 9 figures