Homicidal Youth Research Articles

Errata

Zagar, R. J., Busch, K. G., Hughes, J. R., & Arbit, J. (2009) Comparing early and late twentieth-century Boston and Chicago male juvenile offenders: what changed? Psychological Reports, 104, 185–198. In Table 1, page 190, for all χ2 comparisons, df = 2; these are comparisons of the Chicago 1909–1915 and Chicago 1980–1988 groups for all variables but gang membership, for which there were no early data from Chicago; so the Boston 1917–1922 data were compared to Chicago 1980–1988. Only statistically significant values of comparison statistics are shown. Zagar, R. J., Isbell, S. A., Busch, K. G., & Hughes, J. R. (2009) An empirical theory of the development of homicide within individuals. Psychological Reports, 104, 199–245. In Table 7, page 218, df = 466 for two-tailed t-tests. In Table 8, page 219, df = 232 for two-tailed t-tests. Only statistically significant values of t are shown in Tables 7 and 8. Zagar, A. K., Zagar, R. J., Bartikowski, B., & Busch, K. G. (2009) Cost comparisons of raising a child from birth to 17 years among samples of abused, delinquent, violent, and homicidal youth using victimization and justice system estimates. Psychological Reports, 104, 309–338. In Fig. 1, page 312, there were 425 Nonviolent Delinquents for comparison with 425 Assaulting Delinquents. In Table 1, page 313–314, df = 3 for all χ2 comparisons on page 313. For Homicidal comparisons on page 314, the chi-square df = 3 for race and df = 2 for family, since there were no orphans in the Random Sample of Homicidal. Only statistically significant values of χ2 are shown. In Table 4, page 319, the entire row for Assault was omitted and should read Productivity: 1,015,813; Medical Care/Ambulance: 18,421; Mental Health Care: 5,088; Police and Fire Service: 1,392; Social Victim Service: 0; Property Loss/Damage: 8,102; Subtotal: 1,048,816; Intangible Loss/Quality of Life: 2,075,833; Total Losses: 3,124,649. IM, S., & MIN, S. (2013) Exploration of the factor structure of the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory using bootstrapping estimation. Psychological Reports: Human Resources & Marketing, 112, 2, 437–444. Footnote 1 on page 437 should read: Address correspondence to Soonhong Min, Yonsei Business School, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-Ro, Sudaemun-ku, Seoul, South Korea or e-mail ( sminscm@yonsei.ac.kr ).

Errata

Zagar, R. J., Busch, K. G., Grove, W. M., Hughes, J. R., & Arbit, J. (2009) Looking forward in records of youth abused as infants: risks of homicidal, violent, and delinquent offenses. Psychological Reports, 104, 47–75. On page 47, line 7 of the Summary should read: “Youth tracked through records 12 years (to M age = 15.17 yr., SD = 1.89)….” In Table 2, page 54: For χ2 comparisons of Population, Sample, and Combined Abused Infants+Controls, df = 3. The χ2 of Groups for Family is 35.7*. For χ2 comparisons of Population, Sample, and Combined Abused Later Homicidal+Controls, df = 3. For χ2 comparisons of Population, Sample, and Combined Abused Later Homicidal+ Abused Later Nondelinquent, df = 3. The χ2 of Groups for Family in this section is 8.89f. In Table 3, page 60, there are 136 Low Socioeconomic Status Abused Infants, and for the two-tailed t-tests, df = 382. Only values of comparison statistics that are statistically significant are shown in Tables 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8. In Appendix C on page 75, and in the References, MacDonald (1970) should be McDonald (1970). Zagar, R. J., Busch, K. G., Grove, W. M., Hughes, J. R., = Arbit, J. (2009) Looking forward and backward in records for risks among homicidal youth. Psychological Reports, 104, 103–127. In Table 1, page 112: For χ2 comparisons of Population, Sample, and Combined Homicidal+Nonviolent Delinquents, df= 3 for Family and Illnesses, df = 1 for Race subcategories (none significant). For χ2 comparisons of Population, Sample, and Combined Homicidal+Controls, df = 3 for Family and Illnesses, df = 1 for Race subcategories. The χ2 of Population and Groups for Family is 21.63* For χ2 comparisons of Population, Sample, and Combined Homicidal+Nonviolent Delinquents, df = 3 for Family (χ2 = 20.76*) and Illnesses, df = 1 for Race subcategories. In Table 2, page 113: For all two-tailed t-tests, df = 50. Only statistically significant values of comparison statistics are shown in Tables 1, 2, and 3. On page 127, in Appendix A and in the References, MacDonald (1970) should be McDonald (1970).

Errata

The Editors. (2009) Preface. Psychological Reports, 104, 5–7. On page 5, the range of accuracies for diff erentiating abused and violent youth from their comparison groups should be 81 to 99%. Zagar, R. J., Busch, K. G., Grove, W. M., & Hughes, J. R. (2009) Summary of studies of abused infants and children later homicidal, and homicidal, assaulting later homicidal, and sexual homicidal youth and adults. Psychological Reports, 104, 17–45. On page 19, line 16, in the description of the second sample, groups were examined and followed forward in records for nine years. In Fig. 1, page 21, there were 425 Nonviolent Delinquents and 425 Assaulting Delinquents. In Table 1, page 22, there were 446 Molesters, Rapists. In Fig. 2, page 24, there were 144 Delinquent Rapists. In Fig. 3, page 26, there were 425 Nonviolent and 425 Assaulting Delinquents. In Table 3, page 33, the numbers of Abused Infants and Abused Children were reversed and should be 192 and 181, respectively. In Table 4, page 34, there were 384 Abused Infants vs Controls. On page 37, the second sentence, “Thirty-one of these 70 chi-squared comparisons were signifi cant, meaning that there were diff erences. However, 39 comparisons…” should read, “Eighteen of these 40 chi-square comparisons were signifi cant, meaning that there were diff erences. However, 22….” Table 6 , on pages 38–39, contained a large number of errors, so the table has been corrected and entirely reprinted on the following two pages of this erratum. On page 40, 15 lines from the bottom of the page: “For the U.S. Population and combined groups of Assaulters and matched Nonviolent Delinquents, the African-American ratio, Euro-American ratio, and mother+father family composition ratio were signifi cantly diff erent,” should read, “For the U.S. Population and combined groups of Assaulters and matched Nonviolent Delinquents, the African-American ratio and the Euro-American ratio were signifi cantly diff erent.” [Table: see text] Zagar, R. J., & Zagar, A. K. (2009) Introduction to a series of studies on abused, delinquent, violent, and homicidal youth and adults. Psychological Reports, 104, 9–15. In the Summary on page 9, AUCs = 0.74–0.97 should read AUCs = 0.81–0.99. Page 10, footnote: Theodore Holms should read Theodore Holmes. Page 14, line 4: ( AUCs = 0.74–0.98) should read: ( AUCs = 0.81–0.99).

Recurrent issues in efforts to prevent homicidal youth violence in schools: Expert opinions

Developmental research on social influences on adolescents can guide practices aimed to prevent homicidal youth violence. School shootings have repeatedly raised questions about the contributory role of bullying and entertainment violence, how news media publicity might produce copycat crimes, and whether stiffer criminal sanctions might have a deterrent effect. This article presents the thoughts and recommendations of a group of experts on these topics summarizing the current knowledge base. In brief, bullying reduction programs may be a useful early prevention effort. Television and video games with violent themes can encourage aggressive behavior, but these media can be used to teach more prosocial behavior as well. The potential copycat effects of highly publicized crimes might be diminished with more restrained reporting, although more research is needed. Finally, there is substantial evidence that increased criminal sanctions for youthful offenders have not had a deterrent effect.

Looking Forward and Backward in Records for Risks among Homicidal Youth

To identify risks for commission of homicide, 26 convicted Homicidal Youth (M age = 14.9 yr., SD = 1.4; n = 26; 1 girl, 25 boys) were matched with 26 Nonviolent Delinquents and 26 clinic-referred Controls. Youth were tracked backward 8 years (M = 7.7 yr., SD = 15) and forward 3 years (M = 3.1 yr., SD = 1.2) in records. Data analysis was Shao's bootstrapped logistic regression yielding area under the curve (AUC) and odds ratios (OR). Predictors of homicide were poorer executive function (OR = 7.04e+40), violent family (OR = 4.01e-16), and alcohol abuse (OR = 7.33e-17; AUC = .97, 95% CI = .77-.99). From earlier studies, 101 Homicidal Youth and their Controls were reanalyzed similarly. Predictors were poorer executive function (OR = 6.51), lower social maturity (OR = 0.28), weapon possession (OR = 26.10), and gang membership (OR = 4.14; AUC = .98, 95% CI = .96-.99). Groups were combined, i.e., 26 and 101 Homicidal; 127 Homicidal Youth (7 girls, 120 boys) and their matched Controls were tracked in records. The predictor was poorer executive function (OR = 3.34e-21; AUC = .98, 95% CI = .96-.97). When 127 Homicidal Youth were compared with 127 matched Nonviolent Delinquents, predictors were poorer executive function (OR = 2.83e-02), weapon possession (OR = 1.63e-10), lower social maturity (OR = 1.15), and use of special education services (OR = .94; AUC = .94, 95% CI = .37-.99).

Cost Comparisons of Raising a Child from Birth to 17 Years among Samples of Abused, Delinquent, Violent, and Homicidal Youth Using Victimization and Justice System Estimates

Data from youth studied by Zagar and colleagues were randomly sampled to create groups of controls and abused, delinquent, violent, and homicidal youth (n=30 in each). Estimated costs of raising a nondelinquent youth from birth to 17 yr. were compared with the average costs incurred by other youth in each group. Estimates of living expenses, direct and indirect costs of victimization, and criminal justice system expenditures were summed. Groups differed significantly on total expenses, victimization costs, and criminal justice expenditures. Mean total costs for a homicidal youth were estimated at $3,935,433, while those for a control youth were $150,754. Abused, delinquent, and violent youth had average total expenses roughly double the total mean costs of controls. Prevention of dropout, alcoholism, addiction, career delinquency, or homicide justifies interception and empirical treatment on a cost-benefit basis, but also based on the severe personal costs to the victims and to the youth themselves.

Identification, Treatment, and Prevention of Homicide: Fallacies in Research, Treatment, and Policy—A Postscript on Youth Violence

This postscript conveys lessons learned from the 5 studies by Zagar and colleagues which examined risks for later commission of violence and homicide among abused, violent, and homicidal youth and adults. This set of studies is the first longitudinal data on risks for extreme violence from infancy to adulthood. The 5 articles following these studies consist of a developmental context for risks, historical comparisons of risks for delinquency, analyses of the costs and benefits of actuarial testing and treatment, and a general discussion of the legal issues related to application of testing and treatments. A review of the state of research on homicide acknowledges the many contributors to the literature and ideas underlying this overall work. Then, a set of 12 "fallacies" about violence that prevent or inhibit adoption of realistic, empirically sound approaches to the reduction of violence in society are addressed.

Summary of Studies of Abused Infants and Children Later Homicidal, and Homicidal, Assaulting later Homicidal, and Sexual Homicidal Youth and Adults

To study the risks of abuse, violence, and homicide, 5 studies of groups at risk for violence are summarized. 192 Abused Infants, 181 Abused Children, 127 Homicidal Youth, 425 Assaulters, 223 Rapists, and 223 Molesters were randomly selected and tracked in court, probation, medical, and school records, then compared with carefully matched groups of Controls and (in older groups) Nonviolent Delinquents. In adolescence or adulthood, these groups were classified into Later Homicidal (N=234), Later Violent or Nonviolent Delinquent, and Later Nondelinquent subgroups for more detailed comparisons. Shao's bootstrapped logistic regressions were applied to identify risks for commission of homicide. Significant predictors for all homicidal cases in these samples were number of court contacts, poorer executive function, lower social maturity, alcohol abuse, and weapon possession. Predictors for the 373 Abused cases (Infants and Children) were court contacts, injury, burn, poisoning, fetal substance exposure, and parental alcohol abuse. Predictors for the 871 Violent Delinquent cases (Assaulters, Rapists, Molesters) were court contacts, poorer executive function, and lower social maturity. Accuracies of prediction from the regressions ranged from 81% for homicidal sex offenders to 87 to 99% for other homicidal groups.

Introduction to a Series of Studies on Abused, Delinquent, Violent, and Homicidal Youth and Adults

To study the risks of abuse and homicide, 5 studies of unique groups of abused, delinquent, violent, homicidal, and criminal cases representing ages from infancy to adulthood are presented with areas (AUCs) under the receiver operating curves (ROCs) and odds ratios (OR) for commission of homicide. Delinquent samples compared show changes in risks since the early 1900s. Probation-parole tests contrasted reformed offenders with recidivists. Current data substantively extended examination of risks to infants and to female cases, increasing accuracy of prediction from the previous best AUCs = 0.69-0.76 to AUCs = 0.81-0.98. [corrected] Empirically supported treatments may reduce onset of delinquency or reoffense beyond 10 to 40% if targeted to developmental risks among at-risk youth and within high-homicide urban areas. Parental costs of raising an abused, delinquent, or violent youth from birth to 17 years were double those of controls and, for a youth who committed murder, 23 times higher. Use of risk-based screening and empirical treatments are legal under U.S., British, and European constitutions and the U.N. Charter.

Characteristics of Homicidal and Violent Juveniles

Homicidal youth have received considerable attention in the mass media and social science literature in recent years. Due to several methodological obstacles, relatively little is known about the premorbid and offense characteristics of this population. The current investigation compared 30 juvenile males charged with murder with a group of 62 juvenile males charged with other violent felony offenses. Comparisons were made across 33 demographic, historical, clinical, offense, and forensic characteristics. Both groups were similar in their demographic characterishics and family backgrounds. Juvenile homicide defendants, however, were less likely than the comparison group to have a current Axis I psychiatric diagnosis. Homicide defendants were also more likely to have acted alone and to have committed their alleged crime in a domestic setting. Implications of the results are discussed as are suggestions for future research.

Homicidal youth in England and Wales 1982–1992: Profile and policy

Abstract This empirical study examines and established a profile of youth (under seventeen years of age) who have commited a homicidal act in England and Wales. The data consisted of twenty (N % 20) cases that were subjected to social learning theory analysis and compared to previous studies and Home Office statistics. The findings corrobarate the outcomes of similar studies and present a profile of an individual who engaged in a violent act that is primarily a male activity. The behavior is highly correlated to cultural male socialization practices and the development of an anti-social personality. Notably, exposure to a dysfunctional family environment initiates the early on-set of very aggressive behavior. Policy implications suggest promoting initiatives to support family stability, improving parenting skills and violence reduction schemes.

Language Disorders in Disruptive Behavior Disordered Homicidal Youth

Eight homicidal youths were assessed for language disorders and psychiatric diagnoses using a battery of standardized language tests and the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents. Both language disorders and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual III-R psychiatric diagnoses were present in all subjects.

The ego and the integration of violence in homicidal youth.

Youths committing homicides or other acts of violence appear to be increasing in number at an alarming rate, causing mounting concern to society and pressure upon those charged with their rehabilitation. Nine such youths were studied to define similar parameters in each around which a viable theory of causality could be delineated, and an approach to treatment designed.

Psychological investigation of a homicidal youth

Psychological investigation of a homicidal youth