Differences Between Male and Female Juvenile Of fenders as Measured by the BASC

Abstract

Female juvenile delinquency has largely been ignored throughout the juvenile justice field. Juvenile justice research, programming and interventions have focused al most exclusively on male delinquency with little attempt to understand the gender specific needs of female juvenile offenders. The present study is an initial examination of behavioral and emotional differences between male and female juvenile offenders using an omni bus self-report personality inventory. Differences between male and female juvenile offenders were found on six of fourteen comparisons. Of the six, fourwere clinical scales (Anxiety, Depression, Social Stress and Locus of Control) and two were adaptive scales (Relations with Parents and Self-Esteem). A greater frequency of females in the at-risk/clinical range were found than males on three scales (Anxiety, Locus of Control, and Social Stress). The findings provide support for differential treatment planning in addressing the needs of female juvenile offenders.