The Arakawa Ward was studied for 9 years by the authors, who compiled case histories for 50 families. The data reveal why there is the selective appearance of delinquency in certain families but not in others. Uniquely, parents as well as delinquents were subjects of the investigation. The authors combined tests with projective psychological instruments and intensive interviews in a psychocultural approach. Japanese modalities of perceptual organization and of cognitive and emotional control as well as attitudes commonly held toward self and interpersonal relationships are reflected in this work. Tables, an index, and about 75 references are supplied. Test results and study instruments are appended. (Publisher summary modified)