Characterising the goals of juvenile delinquents: Nature, content and purpose

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Abstract
Although findings from previous research indicate that juvenile delinquents have goals, the application of goal-directed behaviour to juvenile delinquency has not been studied. This paper has two purposes. First, it examines whether juvenile delinquents set specific and challenging goals, the degrees of commitment to their goals, and the acceptance of future challenges as a consequence of their goal setting. Second, it investigates whether a hierarchical structure exists within the juvenile delinquent population, and how goal setting is important to this structure. Five incarcerated male youths from one of the Perth detention centres were purposefully selected to represent different ages and cultural backgrounds within the incarcerated population. An interview schedule, incorporating one vignette, was used to direct discussion concerning juveniles' goals, plans, peers, gangs and leadership roles. The overall findings of the study suggest that juvenile delinquents set specific and challenging goals, to which they have commitment, in order to achieve their desired outcomes. In addition, it appears that while a hierarchical structure may exist within the delinquent population, delinquents may be unaware of the group processes which contribute to this structure. Finally, directions for future research are discussed in light of the findings.