Developmental Stage, Delinquency, and Differential Treatment

Abstract
Evidence for the applicability of the Conceptual Systems model to the understanding of personality variation among a culturally deprived population is considered along with some results of its utility in educational planning. The relation of developmental stage to delinquent behavior and delinqucnt orientation is generally as theoretically expected. On the basis of these two patterns of findings, some speculative suggestions are made regarding the implication of the model for the differ ential treatment of delinquents. One distinct potential advan tage in such an application is the coordination of optimal treat ment planning or environmental control in a number of life areas; e.g., school, rehabilitation, occupational training, etc. Usu ally, intervention in the school or for corrective rehabilitation or for occupational training is considered separately, but the present model provides a basis for coordination. Before such coordina tion is possible, however, it is necessary to learn more about the specific nature of delinquent activity most likely to occur at each developmental stage.

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