An Attempt to Predict Juvenile Probation Outcome Using the Jesness Inventory

Abstract

Chess and Besag (1974) suggested that the Jesness Inventory (1966) would be a useful measure for predicting juvenile probation outcome. This prediction was tested by administering the inventory to 28 first-time juvenile offenders. Probation outcome was determined in three ways. Legal revocations of probation were noted. Probation officers rated subjects' behaviors weekly over a six-month follow-up. Probation officers also made global ratings of probation outcome at the end of a six-month follow-up period. Correlational analyses indicated that, with few exceptions, the Jesness Inventory scales were not related to legal revocation of probation, weekly behavior ratings, or global evaluations. In summary, the Jesness was not found to be a useful predictor of probation outcome. Implications for future studies on the prediction of probation outcome are discussed.