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High and Low Offenders Compared

NCJ Number
127654
Journal
Medicine, Science, and the Law Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1990) Pages: 214-216
Author(s)
A W Griffiths
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A sample of adult male inmates at a large, metropolitan London prison was interviewed to compare variables associated with those having an extensive criminal history and those having a relatively minor criminal history. The two criteria of criminality used were rate of previous convictions and extent of previous detention.
Abstract
This study used a rigid statistical approach to score data that was largely subjective; the findings reflect current views on the relationship between delinquency and other variables. Indices of childhood adversity, particularly parental disharmony and separation, childhood friendlessness, running away, and prolonged absence from home were generally more prevalent among the high offenders in both the previously convicted and previously detained groups. There was also a high incidence of mental illness among the high offenders in both groups, but especially among those previously convicted which suggested that this group commits more, but less serious offenses. The study emphasizes the relationship between childhood adversity and psychiatric disorder and recidivism. 1 table and 5 references (Author abstract modified)