NCJ Number
103866
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 26 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1986) Pages: 385-393
Date Published
1986
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study compared self-esteem among a sample of 20 black and 20 white delinquent teenagers in a youth custody center in southeastern England during the summer of 1984.
Abstract
Both groups completed a questionnaire to assess self-concept level and were given reading and IQ tests. The questionnaire was developed from Berger's (1952) 'Acceptance of Self and Others' scale. Unlike most earlier studies which show blacks to have significantly lower self-esteem, this study showed a statistically insignificant difference between the two groups. This indicates a trend similar to that in the United States -- an increase in black self-concept. Data from other sources indicate that self-concept among black delinquents is about the same as that among black nondelinquents. Self-concept among white delinquents is measured as considerably lower than among white nondelinquents. Research into the comparative levels of black and white self-concept in different settings would merit further investigation in Britain. Questionnaire and 28 references. (Author abstract modified)