Recidivism and Changes Made By Delinquents During Residential Treatment

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship of recidivism among juvenile delinquents and changes in their behavior during residential treatment. Change was measured by the fourteen scales of the Jesness Behavior Checklist, and recidivism was determined by a six-month follow-up of subjects. Results showed an interaction between recidivism status and personality characteristics on change scores for several of the checklist scales. For instance, the nonrecidivists who were labeled Neurotic Acting-Out and Immature Conformist improved on several scales, while those delinquents classified as Neurotic Anxious who did well on parole showed less improvement while institutionalized than those who later recidivated. Such data em phasize the importance of considering various personality groups' differential responsiveness to treatment. It is suggested that researchers use several types of scales to measure change when evaluating programs and examine personality differences when analyzing results. It is also recommended that those involved in program development consider that various treatment interventions and different treatment goals may be necessary for different groups of delinquents.

This publication has 7 references indexed in Scilit: