NCJ Number
179133
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 50 Issue: 3 Dated: Summer 1999 Pages: 25-40
Date Published
1999
Length
16 pages
Annotation
A literature review and a cluster analysis with 23 variables related to behavioral and psychosocial problems were used to examine the effectiveness for juvenile females of current diversionary or treatment programs developed in response to a predominantly male population and to suggest improvements.
Abstract
The 65 female and 72 male participants were ages 13-17 years and were selected from a residential treatment program. The analysis revealed distinct treatment profiles, each differing in composition by gender. Females reported higher levels of abuse, depression and suicidal ideation, and self-harmful behavior than did males; they also had a particular need for social support, but were unable to find it in school. Males were more violent and more destructive to others, experienced more problems in school, and had experienced more instances of lower-level treatment. These results and the literature review suggested the need for significantly different treatment settings for females than for males. These settings should be supportive and non-confrontational and should use cognitive-behavioral interventions to build self-esteem, internal locus-of-control, and social skills. The study's overall findings suggested that important differences exist between the genders in effective treatment of problem behavior and that judges should assure that treatment is appropriate, that its effectiveness is measured, and that additional research determines what other factors may be important for treating adolescent females. 65 references (Author abstract modified)