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Psychoeducational Factors for Differentiating Female Juvenile Recidivists and Non-Recidivists on Probation

NCJ Number
72093
Author(s)
E S Smith
Date Published
1977
Length
101 pages
Annotation
Using psychological test data, this study analyzed psychoeducational differences between female juvenile recidivists and nonrecidivists on probation.
Abstract
The subjects were 50 female recidivists and 50 female nonrecidivists, ages 14 to 16, who were randomly selected and on probation for no longer than 1 year in Stark County, Ohio. All the subjects had been given the Bender Gestalt, Wide Range Achievement Test, the Weschler Intelligence Test for children (revised), and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The 10 variables considered in the study included large size drawings, overworked-reinforced lines, reading achievement, arithmetic achievement, spelling achievement, intelligence, type of offense committed while on probation and others. A discriminate function analysis technique was employed to assess the predictive value of the 10 variables most significantly correlated with the dichotomous criterion variable, recidivism-nonrecidivism. Analysis of the data indicated that three variables--overworked lines, arithmetic grade level, and psychopathic deviate score--would successfully assign 79 percent of the subjects into their correct groups. The female recidivists had lower arithmetic grade levels on the Wide Range Achievement Test, more overworked lines on the Bender Gestalt, and higher elevated psychopathic deviate scores on the MMPI. The offenses of both groups were not computed, since 94 percent of the crimes were status offenses. The offenses committed by recidivists while on probation were neither serious nor significantly different than the nonrecidivists' offenses. The need for further research into the psychoeducational factors on female juvenile recidivism and on delinquency, in general, becomes apparent in the present study. Tables and approximately 110 references are provided. A list of definitions is appended. (Author abstract modified)

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