NCJ Number
223546
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 52 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2008 Pages: 416-434
Date Published
August 2008
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study examined the frequency of learning and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders in a group of Israeli prisoners.
Abstract
The study found a high frequency of Learning Disability (LD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in a sample of Israeli-born prisoners. Also found was a strong and significant relationship of LD, school dropout age, and the onset of criminal activity. The work cited previous research which consistently illustrated that several intellectual disabilities, namely learning disabilities (LD), low intelligence, challenging behavior, and inadequate adaptive behavior, as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), were considered risk factors for antisocial and criminal behavior. Although much attention has been paid to the relationship of LD, ADHD, and criminal behavior, it is noted that three research topics have been overlooked: the frequency of LD with ADHD among inmates, the relationship between LD and/or ADHD and level of education among prisoners, and the connection between LD and/or ADHD and age of criminal onset. The study examined the frequency of LD and ADHD in a sample of Israeli-born prisoners, in addition to the frequency of each category by itself, and it investigated the relationship of LD and/or ADHD, school dropout age, and onset of criminal activity. The study used a sample of 89 native Hebrew-speaking adult inmates from the Israeli prison system, incarcerated in 7 randomly selected prisons, 11 women and 78 men ranging from 21 to 71 years of age. Tables, appendixes, notes, and references