This study investigates whether unstructured spare time is a significant correlate of self-reported offending among adolescents in multiple countries. Drawing on survey data from 58,425 13-to-17-year-olds in 21 countries in Europe, North America, and South America, we examine whether time spent in unstructured out-of-home and at-home activities, as well as structured time at home, is associated with offending prevalence and incidence. Using multivariate models that control for key criminological predictors, we find that unstructured out-of-home spare time is a robust and consistent correlate of self-reported offending. Its estimated association is larger than that of most classical predictors. While structured spare time at home is associated with lower levels of offending, unstructured spare time, particularly out-of-home, is strongly linked to both prevalence and incidence of crime involvement. Country-specific analyses reveal that this pattern holds across most national samples. Simulation analyses suggest that modest reductions in unstructured out-of-home spare time may be associated with lower levels of adolescent offending. These findings indicate that unstructured time environments constitute a cross-culturally robust correlate of adolescent offending, with potential relevance across dispositional and opportunity-based explanations, and with implications for how prevention frameworks conceptualize adolescents’ everyday environments.

Abstract Background First-time offending among adolescents is often influenced by multiple factors, including insufficient emotional management skills, weak impulse control, negative peer influence, and poor family communication. Traditional correctional approaches mainly rely on disciplinary constraints and behavioral punishment, which fail to address the underlying psychological causes of misconduct, leading to behavioral relapse or poor post-intervention adjustment. In recent years, mental health–oriented intervention models centered on emotional regulation training, cognitive-behavioral correction, and family system support have shown increasing feasibility and sustainability; however, evidence regarding their effectiveness specifically for first-time adolescent offenders remains limited. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an integrated mental health intervention in improving behavioral outcomes among adolescents with first-time offenses, aiming to examine its impact on emotional regulation, impulse control, and family functioning. Methods A total of 120 adolescents documented for their first illegal or rule-violating behavior were recruited from a juvenile correctional institution and randomly assigned to the mental health intervention group (n = 60) and the control group (n = 60). The intervention group received an 8-week integrated program, including emotional regulation training, impulse control training, cognitive-behavioral restructuring, family communication counseling, and peer-support workshops. The control group received routine safety education and disciplinary instruction. Before and after the intervention, participants were assessed on behavioral problem severity (Youth Self-Report, YSR), impulse control (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11th Edition, BIS-11), emotional regulation ability (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form, DERS-SF), and family functioning (Family Assessment Device, FAD). Recidivism within 6 months after the intervention was also recorded. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, between-group comparisons, and logistic regression. Results After 8 weeks, the YSR behavioral problem score in the intervention group decreased from 63.42 ± 7.15 to 51.87 ± 6.32, an 18.2% reduction, markedly greater than the 5.7% reduction in the control group (p<.001), indicating better improvement in impulsive behaviors, aggression, and rule-breaking. BIS-11 scores decreased from 72.63 ± 8.04 to 58.94 ± 7.28 in the intervention group (p<.001), achieving 2.6 times the improvement observed in the control group, suggesting that strengthened emotional and cognitive training directly contributed to the reduction of impulsive actions. DERS-SF scores decreased by 21.5% (p=.002), and FAD scores improved by 17.3% (p<.01), showing positive effects on emotional regulation and family communication. Follow-up results indicated that the 6-month recidivism rate in the intervention group was 8.3%, significantly lower than the 21.7% observed in the control group (p=.018), demonstrating that the intervention not only improved short-term behavior but also helped prevent behavioral relapse. Discussion The findings indicate that an integrated correction model based on mental health intervention can significantly improve behavioral outcomes in adolescents with first-time offenses, with particularly strong effects in emotional regulation, impulse control, and family interaction. The reduction in recidivism further suggests that effective correction requires strengthening internal self-regulation mechanisms and enhancing family support systems, rather than relying solely on external behavioral constraints. Moreover, the observed improvements highlight the importance of addressing psychological needs in a more comprehensive and developmentally appropriate manner. Future studies are recommended to examine the long-term effectiveness of such interventions and to develop extended training programs applicable to school and community settings for broader and more sustainable impact.

The present study aimed at psychometrically validating the Cuestionario de Habilidades Cognitivas in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. A sample of 502 adolescents aged 15 to 17 years from Bachilleres xxx 19 high school in Ciudad Juárez participated in the study. The questionnaire was refined to 20 items based on expert judgment, followed by a pilot application. Exploratory factor analysis revealed the instrument’s structure consisting of three factors, with acceptable convergent and discriminant validity. Invariance analysis resulted in no significant differences across samples, while confirmatory factor analysis yielded a reliability coefficient alpha of .73. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure was .72, and Bartlett’s significance test with a chi-square value of 947.543 (df = 190, p < 0.000) explained 69% of the total variance. The model fit indices were satisfactory with a chi-square of 96.89, GFI of .94, CFI of .95, and RMSEA of .04. The study sought to identify prevalent cognitive conditions and issues among adolescents to facilitate the development of interventions and psychoeducational treatments for violence-related behavioral problems. The efficacy of the CHC questionnaire was substantiated, along with its utility in identifying cognitive scenarios in adolescents.

To assess the prevalence and risk factors of sexually transmitted infections (STI) among adolescent offenders held in correctional facilities. This quantitative cross-sectional study, carried out in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, included interviews to collect sociodemographic and clinical data and knowledge about STIs. Rapid tests for detection of syphilis antibodies and HIV infection, and molecular urine tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea were performed. Statistical analysis included STI prevalence estimates and multivariate analysis to identify risk factors. A total of 965 adolescents (average age: 16.1 years; 85.1% male) were included in the study. STI prevalence was higher in the female unit than in the male units: syphilis (45.6% vs. 7.7%), chlamydia (34.6% vs. 19.7%), gonorrhea (12.5% vs. 6.0%), and HIV (1.5% vs. 0.4%). The prevalence of "at least one STI" was higher in the female unit compared to the male units (68.4% vs. 27.3%; prevalence ratio 2.51). This high burden of STIs, which were often asymptomatic, was associated with multiple sexual partners and unprotected sex practices, reflecting important gaps in sex education in this highly vulnerable group who demonstrated limited knowledge on STI risk and prevention. This high prevalence of STIs, combined with limited knowledge of prevention, calls for comprehensive strategies associating systematic screening, timely treatment, and sexual health education into the routine activities of socio-educational institutions.

Psychiatric evaluations for adolescent offenders with delinquency in Taiwan.

One's social circle and positive psychological well-being are greatly influenced by their siblings' relationships with their offspring. The current study looked at how aggressive adolescent offenders in Pakistan were related to their siblings. Easily chosen from four different Pakistani cities—Multan (n = 80), Faisalabad (n = 130), Rawalpindi (n = 140), and Bahawalpur (n = 150)—the sample of 500 juvenile offenders (age range: 13–18 years) had varying educational backgrounds. The primary goal of the study was to investigate how sibling relationships affect young offenders. Further goals included examining the influence of siblings' relationship on juvenile violence in addition to the juveniles' educational attainment. The study variables were measured using the Index of Siblings Relations (ISR), Aggression Questionnaires (AQ), and Self-control. The relationship between siblings has a significant impact on aggression and its subscales among juvenile offenders, according to the results of a co-relational analysis. The study also discovered that the sample's aggression and sibling relationships are significantly impacted by poor educational attainment.

This study extends situational action theory (SAT) and its developmental ecological action (DEA) model by examining within- and between-individual variations in offending among 1354 serious adolescent offenders using Pathways to Desistance data. It highlights the interplay between morality, self-control, and delinquent peer associations, finding lower offending rates among adolescents with stronger morality, higher self-control, and fewer delinquent peers. Criminogenic exposure increases and declines in morality or self-control heighten crime risk. Self-control is most effective in reducing offending when paired with strong moral values, especially in highly criminogenic environments. Morality's influence grows as self-control strengthens or peer delinquency declines, supporting the DEA model's emphasis on the dynamic interaction of crime propensity and environmental influences.

The gender gap in offending is a robust finding, and this gap extends to violent offending. However, there is limited research that has explored mechanisms explaining this relationship in childhood and early adolescence. This is concerning because early onset of antisocial behavior like this may increase the risk for chronic engagement in such behavior. Cognitive development and parental monitoring both differ by gender, also indicating that these may present mediating mechanisms explaining the gender gap in violent offending during this period of the life-course. Cognitive development pertaining to the dual systems model was examined here, that is, the difference in the concurrent development of impulse control and sensation-seeking, or dual systems imbalance. The present study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the dual systems model imbalance and parental monitoring as mediators of the gender-violent offending relationship. The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development-Social Development data were analyzed. This consists of a sample of 2,422 youth aged 9 to 10 years old at baseline (Boys = 52.31%; Girls = 47.69%). Generalized structural equation modeling was used to test for direct and indirect relationships of interest. Findings indicated that boys reported a greater risk for violent offending than girls. Dual systems imbalance significantly mediated this relationship, but parental monitoring did not. These results highlight the importance of fostering healthy cognitive development among young boys to prevent violent offending.

This study examined self-control levels in a sample of 1,828 Brazilian students aged 13 to 17, focusing on gender differences in self-control and offending behaviors, as well as parental monitoring and family bonding. The data were obtained from the Brazilian ISRD4 school dataset, which was collected in public and private schools across two cities in the state of São Paulo. Descriptive (mean, median and standard deviation) and comparative (t-tests) analyses were conducted. Offending behaviors were more frequent and diverse among boys in both the past year and over their lifetime. While no major differences were found in overall self-control levels between girls and boys, when looking at the self-control’s dimensions, there were differences in sensation-seeking and impulsivity control, as well as in how much their parents monitored them and in family bonds. Girls showed higher levels of sensation-seeking control and parental monitoring. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender differences and self-control dimensions, particularly sensation-seeking, in research and interventions targeting juvenile delinquency.

ObjectivesThis paper explores the relationship between child development and the probability of engaging in offending behaviour during adolescence. It also investigates the pathways through which early developmental traits may influence the probability of engaging in offending behaviour as individuals transition into adulthood. MethodsI perform a factor analysis to identify underlying patterns in early childhood assessments. These factors are then used to predict the likelihood of offending during adolescence. Mediation analysis is employed to explore how socio-emotional factors may indirectly affect adolescent offending through mediators such as educational performance and school-related issues. Finally, multi-level modelling is used to examine how socio-emotional development and contextual factors such as school characteristics interact to influence offending behaviour, accounting for group-level variability. Results and ConclusionsThe factor analysis reveals several key developmental dimensions. After controlling for confounding variables, significant associations are found between poor child development and adolescent offending. Cognitive development issues are primarily mediated by school-related experiences like attendance and academic performance. In contrast, socio-emotional challenges continue to show a strong association with offending behaviour, even when these mediating factors are considered. Results remain robust even after accounting for group-level variability.

ABSTRACT This study examined the evolution of psychopathic traits from adolescence to adulthood over a 10-year period, focusing on their impact on delinquency. It also assessed whether psychosocial maturation (e.g., temperance, perspective taking) and life turning points (e.g., employment, parenthood) mediated or moderated this relationship. The sample included 165 adolescent offenders. Psychopathic traits decreased over time but remained strongly linked to delinquent behavior at both time points. Neither psychosocial maturation nor turning points mediated or moderated this link. These findings highlight the persistent influence of psychopathic traits on delinquency and suggest the need for multifaceted intervention strategies.

The applicability of the Good Lives Model to young offenders of non-consensual dissemination of sexual images This study examines the applicability of the Good Lives Model (GLM) to young offenders of non-consensual dissemination of sexual images (NCDS). The extent to which overall subjective well-being is related to adolescent offending of NCDS and which GLM primary goods underlie this, was researched in a large group of adolescents frofm 14 to 18 years old (N=6,112) using a self-report questionnaire. The results showed that multiple offenders of NCDS reported lower overall subjective well-being than non-offenders. The primary goods of life, excellence in work, know­ledge, relatedness, and creativity were particularly related to this type of offending by adolescents.

As the social media platforms and search engines entered our lives with the WEB 2.0 era, two-way communication has truly come to life. Unfortunately, this transformation in communication has caused some negative social effects. Traditional bullying, which means repetitive behaviors aiming to harm individuals or groups, has begun to occur in online environments, thus the concept of cyberbullying has emerged. Cyberbullying has also begun to be included as a theme in fictional narratives in recent years. This research aims to study 50 cyberbullying-themed movies and TV series released between 2010 and 2025, in terms of the crime definitions and victim / offender portrayal by using the descriptive analysis method. According to the data obtained, it was seen that the victims were mostly presented as women. In the depiction of the offenders, the density of male characters is striking. Although adolescents are mostly presented as victims, it is seen that in narratives with a small number of adolescent offenders, the victim is also an adolescent. While the ratio of adolescents to adults among the victims is close to each other, the ratio of adults to adolescents among the offenders is considerably higher. It was seen that the most frequently mentioned crimes were invasion of privacy, blackmail, manipulation with a fake account, cyberstalking, distribution of explicit content and identity theft. Finally, it is possible to say that focusing on cyberbullying as a theme in fictional narratives is significant in terms of drawing attention to the destructive effects of the problem.

A growing body of research suggests that fairness within the criminal justice processes can be effective in reducing crime and recidivism. Procedural justice, sometimes called procedural fairness, refers to perceived fairness within criminal justice processes, even when outcomes are not viewed as favorable. It accomplishes law abidance by fostering a “buy-in” to laws and directives that enhances cooperation and consent. The significance of procedural justice lies particularly in its ability to promote voluntary, long-term compliance. Drawing on the Pathways to Desistance dataset, this longitudinal research study used negative binomial regression to examine the impact of procedural justice and legitimacy on frequency of offending counts among adolescents who self-reported serious offenses. Study results indicated that overall, procedural justice predicted decreases in offending among participants. The impacts of race, sex, and exposure to peer delinquency are also addressed alongside implications for research and practical applications.

While numerous studies have delved into rehabilitation programs for young and adolescent offenders, this study stands out by introducing the novel Photovoice research method to this population in Israel for the first time. The study, conducted at one of the Shushan Rehabilitation Centers in the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority, involved 14 young individuals aged 18 to 23 undergoing a rehabilitation program. These participants captured their surroundings within the rehabilitation center through photography. Findings reveal the central significance of the courtyard—an informal space—in the participants’ rehabilitation journeys. The study highlights how informal environments within formal programs foster agency, autonomy, and a sense of belonging, all crucial elements in the rehabilitation process. By emphasizing the experiential and spatial dimensions of rehabilitation, particularly in custodial settings, this research contributes to broader criminological discussions on youth rehabilitation.

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The aim &lt;/strong&gt;of the study was to study psychological and mathematical methods in predicting the risk of unlawful and suicidal behavior in adolescents and to create computer programs based on the results obtained. &lt;strong&gt;Methods and materials.&lt;/strong&gt; The study included 198 adolescent offenders who underwent outpatient forensic psychiatric examination. The control group consisted of 269 adolescents who had no cases of criminal behavior. &lt;strong&gt;Results.&lt;/strong&gt; The main socio-demographic and psychological characteristics of juvenile offenders were determined: psychopathological burdened heredity, upbringing in dysfunctional families in conditions of underprotection with elements of aggression, lack of organization in studies, involvement in asocial peer groups, features in the frequency and structure of neurotic conditions and suicidal risk factors. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions. &lt;/strong&gt;The obtained data were processed using a mathematical method, as a result of which two computer programs were developed for use in the work of psychologists.&lt;/p&gt;

Background: There is a significant body of evidence on the various psychosocial and psychiatric correlates of juvenile offending. However, few Indian studies shed light on which mental health correlates are the most concerning compared to the general population. This study examined several risk factors for juvenile offending including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, aggression, self-esteem, non-suicidal self-injury, relations with family, childhood trauma, learning difficulties, and substance use in comparison with age, sex, and socioeconomic-status-matched community-based controls. Method: The study was conducted at a juvenile detention center and government-run school in Mumbai, India. Participants aged 13-17 years ( n = 158, 79 each in case and control groups) were evaluated using a structured, self-reported questionnaire consisting of the Conners-3-self-report (short form), Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES), and questions on self-harm, substance use, and childhood physical and sexual abuse. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Adolescent offenders reported significantly higher rates of non-suicidal self-injury (58.2% compared to 12.6% in the control group; P &lt; .001), substance use (57.0% compared to 10.1%; P &lt; .001), childhood physical abuse (48.1% compared to 16.5%; P &lt; .001) and learning difficulties (51.9% compared to 26.6%; P = .002) and scored lower on the RSES ( P &lt; .001). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ( P = .184) and aggression ( P = .164) were not statistically significant. On regression analyses, self-esteem (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.73; P &lt; .001), non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) (aOR = 4.07; P = .017), and substance use (aOR = 3.88; P = .022) emerged as significant predictors of juvenile offending. Conclusion: Further research, screening, and targeted interventions are needed to mitigate adverse psychiatric and psychosocial outcomes among adolescent offenders.

It is well established within the literature that early childhood trauma and maltreatment increase risk for adolescent offending behaviors. However, the mechanisms underlying this association are not currently well understood. The construct of moral injury, or distress and psychopathology stemming from events that violate an individual's deeply held moral beliefs, has most frequently been studied in adult veterans. However, researchers have recently begun to apply the concept of moral injury to child and adolescent populations. From a developmental psychopathology perspective, moral injury offers a novel lens through which to view the victim-offender overlap in adolescents. The current paper reviews existing empirical evidence regarding the prevalence and sources of moral injury in justice-involved youth. It further synthesizes theory and research from diverse subfields of developmental and clinical psychology and criminology in order to describe how disruptions to cognitive, affective, and social development might link moral injury with juvenile offending and justice involvement. A novel, dynamic model of moral injury and juvenile offending is proposed, and implications for future research, clinical practice, and juvenile justice policy are discussed.

Juvenile offenders in correctional institutions face a range of challenges, including isolation and stigmatization. Although existing research predominantly emphasizes family visitation, there is limited understanding of volunteer visitation, particularly from the offenders’ viewpoint. This study explores the perspectives of juvenile offenders in Indonesia on volunteer visitation. Using semi-structured interviews with six adolescent offenders, this study explores the benefits of volunteer visitation, including reducing boredom, providing a safe space to confide, providing skill-building, and role models. The findings reveal that volunteer visitation helps alleviate the monotony of incarceration, creates social interaction, and provides learning experiences that contribute to the offenders’ reintegration. However, the study also highlights areas for improvement, such as extending the duration of volunteer visits and diversifying the professional backgrounds of volunteers. These findings provide an understanding of how volunteer visitation programs promote juvenile offenders’ rehabilitation while offering recommendations for improving their effectiveness.

The juvenile justice system in Ecuador focuses on guaranteeing the rights of adolescents who conflict with the law, prioritizing their rehabilitation and social reintegration. However, the problem lies in the lack of clear procedures for the comprehensive reparation of victims of crimes committed by adolescent offenders, which generates a lack of protection and vulnerability for them. The objective of the research is to analyze the deficiencies of the current system and to be able to propose strategies thatallow balancing the rights of offenders with the right to fair reparation for their victims. Among these results, it is possible to identify that restorative justice becomes a key tool to address this problem and promotes dialogue between the affected parties to seek to repair the damage caused. However, its implementation in Ecuador has been limited due to the lack of resources and specific programs. In conclusion, it is essential to strengthen the existing regulatory framework and implement public policies that manage to guarantee the rehabilitation of the offender as well as comprehensive support for the victims. Only through a balanced and fair approach could an effective and equitable juvenile justice system be consolidated in the country.