Psychosocial, Substance Use, and Delinquency Differences Among Anglo, Hispanic White, and African-American Male Youths Entering a Juvenile Assessment Center

• NCJ Number: 174477
• Journal: Substance Use and Misuse Volume: 33 Issue: 7 Dated: 1998 Pages: 1481-1510
• Author(s): R Dembo; J Schmeidler; C C Sue; P Borden; D Manning; M Rollie
• Date Published: 1998
• Length: 30 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Florida Dept of Juvenile Justice
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Data from nearly 4,000 Anglo, black, Hispanic, and white male youths processed at the Hillsborough County (Fla.) Juvenile Assessment Center were used to examine the psychosocial, drug use, and other delinquent behaviors in the 3 groups of youth.

Abstract

Results extended the findings of previous research in a manner consistent with the concept of relative deviance. Thus, significant differences existed across the three groups, consistent with the concept of relative deviance. Results revealed that the non-African-American males were experiencing more behavioral problems than the African-American males, whereas the African-American males were experiencing more environmental stressors than were the Anglo youths. In addition, the Anglo youths had more drug use and other potential problems in psychosocial functioning than did the Hispanic white youths, although the Hispanic youths appeared to be experiencing more educational difficulties. Findings have several theoretical, service delivery, and policy implications. Innovative early intervention, service delivery efforts are needed for these youths and their families; involving these families in community-based intervention services represents a major challenge for educational, mental health, and drug treatment providers. Tables, figures, author biographies and photographs, and 59 references (Author abstract modified)