NCJ Number
150675
Journal
Criminal Behavior and Mental Health Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: (1993) Pages: 158-179
Date Published
1993
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This longitudinal study used a sample of 229 male and 68 female juveniles detained in the community, detention centers, criminal justice facilities, or other locations in Florida in order to examine predictors of substance abuse and other delinquency among at-risk adolescents. These interviews followed up an initial interview conducted 10-15 months earlier.
Abstract
The variables studied here included mental health risk factors (self-derogation, emotional or psychological functioning problems, physical abuse, sexual victimization), family problem characteristics (alcohol and/or other drug and mental health problems, involvement in crime), patterns of substance abuse (alcohol, other drugs), and self-reported delinquent behavior (general theft, crimes against persons, drug sales). The results showed that recent antisocial behavior among these youths may be significantly predicted by previous behavior of the same type. While participation in drug use and delinquency may occur simultaneously, factor analysis did not find any shared predictors. Rather, these behaviors may reflect common causative factors. During the follow-up period in which these interviews took place, very few of these adolescents were involved in preventive or intervention programs. 4 tables and 65 references