NCJ Number
140337
Journal
Journal of Psychiatry and Law Dated: (Spring-Summer 1991) Pages: 63-78
Date Published
1991
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study identified four types (stable behavioral handicapped, brighter and reactive late starter, early frequent, and serious offender) and two higher order types (fair adaptive functioning late starter and undersocialized aggressive early starter) as relevant to the identification of violent adolescents.
Abstract
The study sample consisted of a consecutively recruited group of 135 violent delinquent adolescents (VDA's) who were referred to the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic over a 2-year period by the Juvenile Court of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh. The sample ranged in age between 12 and 19 years, the ratio of males to females was 7:1, and blacks comprised 42 percent of the sample. Information was obtained on demographic characteristics of the VDA's; developmental, social, educational, family, and delinquent history; medical, neurological, and psychopathological history; and educational and neuropsychological status. Offenses considered violent were homicide, rape, arson, robbery, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and assault. The assessment process proved useful in identifying adolescents who were already violent delinquents and those who may be at risk for becoming violent delinquents, creating effective matched treatment and prevention procedures, and investigating etiological mechanisms of criminal behavior. 35 notes and 6 tables