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Pioneering With Self-Concept as a Vulnerability Factor in Delinquency

NCJ Number
126532
Journal
Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology, and Police Science Volume: 58 Issue: 4 Dated: (1967) Pages: 515-523
Author(s)
W C Reckless; S Dinitz
Date Published
1967
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper presents an assessment of research investigating the role of self-concept in preventing the development of delinquent behavior in adolescents in high delinquency areas of a large city.
Abstract
Studies of sixth grade students in Ohio and New York are described that demonstrate an interrelationship among teacher evaluations of students vulnerability for delinquent or deviant behavior, De Scale's assessment, and self-concept assessment by the boys. The evidence suggests that a good self-concept, resulting from favorable socialization, would steer slum boys from delinquency, whereas a poor self concept, a result of unfavorable socialization, leads to deviant behavior. The potential use of these findings in the prevention of delinquency is being investigated in a demonstration project in the Ohio school system using three time periods: 1963-1964, 1964-1965, and 1965-1966. Vulnerable sixth-grade boys are provided with internalized effective models of behavior to build up or strengthen their self-concept. Further research is required to develop an effective self-concept measure to assess direction toward or away from delinquency. 12 references

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