Female Juvenile Offenders Research Articles

Childhood maltreatment, shame, and self-esteem: an exploratory analysis of influencing factors on criminal behavior in juvenile female offenders

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the relationships between childhood maltreatment, shame, and self-esteem among juvenile female offenders and to explore the potential influencing factors on their criminal behavior.MethodsUsing a stratified cluster sampling method, 1,227 juvenile female offenders from 11 provinces in China were surveyed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and a self-developed Shame Questionnaire for Juvenile Offenders. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, chi-square tests, t-tests, and structural equation modeling with mediation analysis.Results(1) Childhood maltreatment have a significant potential influencing factors on criminal behavior; (2) Childhood maltreatment was positively correlated with self-esteem(β = 0.351, p < 0.001); (3) shame (β = 0.042, p < 0.001) mediate the relationship between Childhood maltreatment and self-esteem (childhood maltreatment → shame → self-esteem (95% Cl: 0.033, 0.052)).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that childhood maltreatment is a significant predictor of criminal behavior among juvenile female offenders. childhood maltreatment can directly influence of self-esteem, which can also affect juvenile female offenders’self-esteem indirectly through shame. The findings suggest that shame are important variables that mediate the effect of the juvenile female offenders’childhood maltreatment on their self-esteem.

ОКРЕМІ ПИТАННЯ СТАНУ ЗЛОЧИННОСТІ НЕПОВНОЛІТНІХ

In the article on the basis of the analysis the authors determine the dynamic changes over the past ten years in certain indicators of juvenile delinquency. The positive dynamics of reduction of the main quantitative indicators of juvenile delinquency is determined. In particular, the author provides a criminal law characterization of criminal offenses committed by juveniles. Among the criminal offenses committed by juveniles, there is a prevalence of offenses committed for mercenary motives, which is also characteristic of adult offenders. In the structure of juvenile delinquency, a significant numerical predominance of males is noted, but despite a significant numerical decrease in the number of female juvenile offenders, their share has remained relatively stable over the past ten years. More than half of the convicted juveniles serving their sentence in an educational colony comply with the established procedure for serving their sentence, prove their correction and are released on parole. Based on the results of the study, the authors conclude that the dynamics of reducing juvenile delinquency rates will remain stable in general, but the amount of annual quantitative changes will most likely decrease. At the same time, the elements of humanity and decriminalization will be further implemented in the punitive policy towards juvenile offenders. Key words: convicted juvenile, imprisonment, criminal offenses, personnel of penitentiary institutions, resocialization, educational colony, crime, prevention of criminal offenses.

The role of paternal and maternal warmth and hostility on daughter's psychosocial outcomes: The insidious effects of father warmth combined with high paternal hostility.

Despite the well-accepted view on the importance of parental warmth and parental hostility for adolescent development, few studies have examined the joint interactive effects of these two key aspects of parenting. Furthermore, research comparing maternal and paternal parenting is limited, with the father-daughter relationship during adolescence remaining one of the more understudied familial contexts. Given that family processes are key for the intergenerational transmission of inequality, these parent-child relationships may be especially important for youth at risk for exposure to violence. Using a sample of juvenile female offenders, this study examined the associations between the perceived warmth and hostility in the father-daughter and mother-daughter relationships on daughters' depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, romantic partner warmth, romantic partner hostility, and the daughter's sense of agency. We hypothesized that high perceived parental warmth would moderate the effects of parental hostility by protecting daughters from the negative effects of parental hostility, with stronger effects for the father-daughter than the mother-daughter relationship. In contrast, our paternal relationship findings across four of the five outcomes suggest a moderation in the opposite direction - that is, high perceived father warmth exacerbates the deleterious effects of father hostility on daughters' depressive symptoms, anxiety, romantic partner warmth, and romantic partner hostility. Maternal warmth, and not hostility, had a direct association with these four outcomes, with stronger explanatory power shown for the father-daughter than the mother-daughter model. Higher agency was associated with maternal hostility only. Our findings suggest that daughters might be modeling and internalizing the relationship with their fathers (for better or worse) when they perceive it as warm and supportive. Consequently, adolescent girls whose fathers exhibit hostile behavior may benefit from emotional distancing from their fathers.

“Never give up.” Adjudicated girls’ school experiences and implications for academic success

There is limited literature on best practices for promoting academic success for adjudicated girls. The goal of this qualitative study was to elicit information about the educational experiences of female juvenile offenders within a residential facility. Interviews with 10 girls and two teachers were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed for narratives pertaining to success stories and challenges the girls faced in educational settings. Themes were: Barriers in school; Individual Characteristics that Promote Success; Coping Skills; Relationships that Promote Success; School Environments that Promote Success; Transitioning to Traditional Schools. Findings inform strategies to promote academic success for detained youth. The authors discuss implications for school social workers and other school-based behavioral health providers.

Mental Health Problems in Girls Who Committed Sexual Offenses: Similarities and Differences Compared to Girls With Non-sex Offenses and Boys With Sex Offenses.

Female juvenile offenders have only recently shifted into the focus of research. Moreover, a specific subgroup, female juveniles who sexually offended (JSO) are greatly overlooked. Therefore, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding the characteristics of female JSOs. The aim of the current study was to explore mental health problems (MHP) of female JSOs in more detail. Moreover, we compared their mental health with female juveniles who committed non-sexual offenses (JNSOs) and male JSOs. The sample comprised 33 female JSOs (Mean age 14.5, SD 1.8), 33 age-matched female JNSOs, and 33 age-matched male JSOs. We used the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-version 2 to examine MHP. Although both internalizing and externalizing MHP were not uncommon in female JSOs, they reported fewer problems than female JNSOs. No differences were found between female and male JSOs. With regard to their mental health profile, female JSOs resemble male JSOs more than female JNSOs. These results should be taken into account in the assessment and treatment of this group. However, more research is needed.

Adverse childhood experiences and co-occurring psychological distress and substance abuse among juvenile offenders: the role of protective factors

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to estimate associations between cumulative exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), protective factors, and co-occurrence among male and female juvenile offenders. Study designCross-sectional study. MethodsValidated measures of ACEs, internal resilience, external youth assets, psychological distress, and substance abuse were collected from 429 youths involved in the juvenile justice system in Nevada. A three-level outcome variable was created using the psychological distress and substance use measures: no problems, one problem, or co-occurring problems. Hierarchical multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine the independent, direct, and moderating impact of the protective factors on ACEs and the outcome. ResultsInternal resilience, family communication, school connectedness, peer role models, and non-parental adult role models were associated with lower odds of co-occurrence compared to having no problems (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] ranged from 0.11 to 0.33). When ACEs were added to the model, internal resilience and all assets except for one (non-parental adult role models) continued to offer protection against co-occurrence. Internal resilience was the only protective factor that significantly moderated the association between ACEs and co-occurrence (AOR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.06, 0.99). ConclusionMost protective factors decreased co-occurring mental health and substance abuse problems in the presence of ACE exposure and internal resilience moderated the relationship between ACEs and co-occurrence. Juvenile justice systems should use positive youth development approaches to help prevent co-occurrence among youths.

Характеристики личностной незрелости у девочек, совершивших общественно опасные деяния

The article deals with the manifestations of personal immaturity in female juvenile offenders. The psychological conclusions of girls committing socially dangerous acts and underwent a comprehensive forensic psychological and psychiatric examination were analysed. The results of clinical diagnostics and expert assessment of the ability of minors to regulate arbitrarily their own activities are presented. The article describes the features of signs in girls with illegal behavior, typical for personal immaturity, and presents a comparison with a sample of male juvenile offenders. It was found that girls ' mental development delays are mainly partial in nature, and manifestations of personal immaturity are generally less pronounced compared to boys. In the study of the intellectual sphere, it was noted that girls ' intellectual deficits are less pronounced, observed mainly in combination with psychopathology of organic genesis.

Adolescent Females with Limited Delinquency: A Follow-Up on Educational Attainment and Recidivism

BackgroundResearch has established a strong relationship between education and later life outcomes, where the connection between different school problems and delinquency have been widely acknowledged. These studies have often sampled male juvenile offenders exhibiting extensive and/or persistent delinquency. Less is known about the educational attainment of female juvenile offenders, especially those who display limited delinquency. In a previous study (Azad and Ginner Hau in Child Youth Serv Rev 95:384–396, 2018), the characteristics of this particular group of offenders were explored where the results showed limited self-reported delinquency but elevated school problems.ObjectiveThe present aim was to conduct a follow-up study of the same sample of female adolescents, in order to study their educational attainment during adolescence and the rate of recidivism within 24 months after being sentenced through registry data.MethodThe sample consisted of adolescent females (N = 144) who were convicted of a crime and sentenced to youth service between 2007 and 2012 in Stockholm, Sweden.ResultsThe results showed that the majority of the females did not reoffend within 2 years after being sentenced. They did, however, display high educational deficits. Their grade point average at the end of both compulsory education and upper secondary school was much lower than that of young females in general, and the majority had either dropped out, never begun or received zero in all subjects at the end of upper secondary school.ConclusionsThe low school results indicate a need to support young delinquent females’ educational attainment in order to improve their overall life chances.

Profiles of SAVRY risk and protective factors within male and female juvenile offenders: A latent class and latent transition analysis

This longitudinal study explored the existence of, and the transition between, latent classes based on risk/need domains of the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY). The study included 4,267 male and 661 female justice-involved juveniles who had at least one SAVRY assessment completed between 2006 and 2011. A three-step approach was used for the latent class analyses (LCA): (1) A standard LCA estimated the classes; (2) the class-membership was determined; and (3) latent transition analyses estimated the likelihood of transition between the subgroups. For male adolescents, five latent classes were identified: (a) low risk/needs (36%); (b) low-moderate risk/needs (26%); (c) moderate risk/needs (11%); (d) moderate-high risk/needs (19%); and (e) high risk/needs (8%). For female adolescents, three subgroups were identified: (a) low risk/needs (30%); (b) moderate risk/needs (51%); and (c) high risk/needs (19%). Recidivism rates differentiated the subgroups, and the likelihood of transition within a 12-months timeframe was low.

The Relationship Between Trauma, Recidivism Risk, and Reoffending in Male and Female Juvenile Offenders

Elevated rates of traumatic experience in the juvenile justice population are well established. Nevertheless, the role of trauma and its application to rehabilitation and recidivism in a criminal justice context remains hotly debated, particularly for female youth. The Risk-Need-Responsivity framework, the predominant model for risk assessment and case management in juvenile justice, does not consider trauma to be a risk factor for offending. This study examined- Posttraumatic Stress symptomology, maltreatment history, and childhood adversity - in relation to RNR risk factors for reoffending (criminogenic needs) and recidivism in a sample of female and male juvenile offenders. Rates of PTS symptomology, maltreatment, and childhood adversity were significantly higher in this sample compared to prevalence in the general population. Females were more likely to have experienced maltreatment. Several maltreatment and childhood adversity types were significantly related to criminogenic needs. PTS symptomology and adversity were not significant predictors of recidivism when entered alongside criminogenic needs; however, maltreatment was the strongest predictor of recidivism for both male and female youth in a model that included criminogenic needs. Gender did not moderate the relationship between maltreatment and recidivism. The importance of considering youths' maltreatment history in their rehabilitative care is discussed.

A Retrospective Study on How Psychopathic Traits Differentiate Recidivists From First-Time Female Youth Offenders in Juvenile Detention Centers

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present study was to analyze the relation between recidivism and self-reported psychopathic traits, more specifically the callous-unemotional, impulsivity, and narcissism dimensions of the psychopathy construct among female juvenile delinquents. The Antisocial Process Screening Device–Self-Report (APSD-SR) and other self-report psychometric instruments (i.e., Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits [ICU], Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, version 11 [BIS-11], Narcissistic Personality Inventory-13 [NPI-13]) independently measuring the different dimensions of psychopathy were completed by a sample of incarcerated female juvenile offenders (N = 81) that were retrospectively classified as first-time offenders versus recidivists. The only statistically significant relation between recidivism and psychopathic traits found was with narcissism, namely with the Grandiose/Exhibitionism and the Entitlement/Exploitativeness dimensions of the NPI-13. Our results argue for some utility of self-reported psychopathic traits in retrospectively predicting recidivism among female juvenile delinquents.

Triarchic Model of Psychopathy: A Brief Measure Among Detained Female Youths

ABSTRACTThe present study examined the psychometric properties of a brief measure of the Triarchic model of psychopathy based on the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI-Tri-S) among a forensic sample of detained female youth offenders (M = 16.41 years; SD = 1.19 years) from Portugal. Results supported the expected three-factor structure and cross-gender measurement invariance. The YPI-Tri-S showed good psychometric properties in terms of factor structure, internal consistency, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and criterion-related validity. Findings suggest that the YPI-Tri-S is a valid and reliable measure of the Triarchic model of psychopathy, which can be used to assess female juvenile offenders.

Chronic Juvenile Offenders: Exploring Risk Factor Models of Recidivism

This study examined the relationship between known risk factors for youthful offenders and rates of recidivism using Poisson regression models. The sample consisted of 564 male and female juvenile offenders referred to the Juvenile Court Assessment Center (JCAC) by the Juvenile Justice Division of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Miami-Dade County. First, data from a clinical interview and the administration of the Wide Range Achievement Test were factor analyzed. Six factors were found to be statistically significant based on a parallel analyses. Neighborhood factors explained the largest amount of variance followed by peer influence, family functioning, gang involvement, substance use, and academic achievement. These six domains were analyzed in separate Poisson regression models. Family-wise error rate was controlled with Bonferroni adjustments. Each model predicting number of arrests from academic performance, substance use, peer influence, gang involvement, and neighborhood factors were statistically significant. The final model including all variables across the six domains indicated good fit, χ2(14) = 201.260, p &lt; .001. Implications stemming from these findings are discussed.

Suicide Ideation in Female Juvenile Offenders with a History of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or 'Ecstasy') Consumption

Suicide Ideation in Female Juvenile Offenders with a History of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or 'Ecstasy') Consumption

A Qualitative Examination of the Self-Medicating Hypothesis Among Female Juvenile Offenders

Substance misuse among criminally delinquent youth has typically been described as a concurrent part of their participation in risky and delinquent behavior. Using Khantzian’s self-medication hypothesis, this article presents an alternative view by presenting qualitative data which suggests that substance misuse for female juvenile offenders may serve as self-medication for mental health problems stemming from early trauma, often at the hands of their families. Based on the narratives of 30 female juvenile offenders, this article examines the lived experiences of girls with childhood trauma and substance misuse, followed by arrest and incarceration. The paper concludes with recommendations for juvenile justice and child welfare practitioners.

Tendências de personalidade psicopática e comportamento antissocial em jovens delinquentes do sexo feminino e masculino

Este estudo visou examinar diferenças em características de personalidade e de comportamento antissocial entre jovens delinquentes institucionalizados do sexo feminino e masculino. Sessenta jovens institucionalizados em razão de condutas delinquentes (30 do sexo feminino) foram avaliados com vista à obtenção de medidas de personalidade antissocial, assim como de disposição para o comportamento delinquente e, ainda, de frequência e diversidade de comportamentos delitivos. Contrariamente ao esperado e ao reportado na literatura, os resultados obtidos não evidenciaram diferenças entre os jovens do sexo feminino e masculino quanto às medidas de personalidade antissocial, nem de disposição para a delinquência, mas foram encontradas diferenças quanto à frequência e à diversidade dos atos delinquentes reportados, que surgem com maior predomínio no sexo masculino em ambos os casos. Apresentam-se possíveis explicações para os resultados obtidos no quadro das limitações do estudo e apontam-se pistas que poderão contribuir para o prosseguimento das investigações, ainda escassas em Portugal, sobre as diferenças entre sexos na delinquência juvenil.

Psychometric properties of Basic Empathy Scale among female juvenile delinquents and school youths

Research on empathy often distinguishes between affective and cognitive empathy, but there is limited knowledge regarding the application or measurement of these two dimensions of empathy among female youth, especially forensic samples of female youth. The main aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Basic Empathy Scale (BES) among a Portuguese sample of female youths (N=377), composed of incarcerated female juvenile offenders (n=103) and school youths (n=274). The two-factor structure of the BES obtained a good fit among the school sample, but the fit among the forensic sample was poor. Both samples demonstrated adequate psychometric properties in terms of Cronbach's alpha, omega coefficient, mean inter-item correlations, corrected item-total correlation range, and criterion validity. However, some caution is advised when using the BES with female youth involved in the juvenile justice system, particularly with incarcerated female youth.

Risk-Need Profiles of Serious and Chronic Female Juvenile Offenders: Implications for Female Juvenile Correctional Programming.

Understanding differences and similarities between male and female juvenile offenders is critically important for determining the treatment needs of each group. Less is known, however, about the similarities and differences among female juvenile offenders and the variation in their needs, risks, and psychosocial profiles. Understanding the variation among female juvenile offenders could lead to improvements in gender-responsive interventions and treatment. Latent profile analysis was conducted to construct risk-need profiles in a state-based sample of incarcerated girls ( N = 203) based on a range of psychosocial subscales covering family, peer, school and cognitive and emotional processes, psychopathology, and antisocial outcomes. Findings revealed four distinct groups/profiles with varying levels of risk-needs- Aggression Only (51%), Alcohol and Drug Use (19%), Socioemotional and Family Relationship Problems (24%), and Severe Alcohol and Drug Use (6%)-warranting the need for varying levels of treatment intensity and different treatment components across subgroups, ranging from less to more extensive.

Gender differences in the trends and correlates of major depressive episodes among juvenile offenders in the United States

PurposeAlthough it is well-established that juvenile offenders are at an elevated risk for depression and that, within this group, females have the highest risk, little is known regarding the trends in the prevalence of depression among juvenile offenders in the United States. In the present study, we systematically examine secular trends in major depressive episodes (MDE) and their correlates among male and female juvenile offenders and non-offenders in the United States. MethodsData were collected between 2005 and 2014 as part of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The NSDUH uses multistage area probability sampling methods to select a representative sample of the civilian, non-institutionalized population in the United States. Participants included 171,118 youth aged 12–17 (159,449 non-offenders and 11,669 offenders). The primary variable of interest was self-reported past year MDE. Logistic regression assessed whether sociodemographic factors and psychosocial and behavioral correlates affected the risk of MDE. ResultsBetween 2005 and 2014, the prevalence of MDE among female youth increased for both offender and non-offender groups: from 24.4% to 33.0% for the offenders and from 12.4% to 16.7% for the non-offenders. No significant trend changes were observed among male youth. In both male and female juvenile offenders, MDEs were associated with increased risk of illicit drug use (males OR=1.61, 95% CI=1.18–2.18; females OR=1.83, 95% CI=1.45–2.31). Additional correlates include alcohol use among male offenders (OR=1.36, 95% CI=1.01–1.83), and binge drinking in female offenders (OR=1.24, 95% CI=1.02–1.49). ConclusionsThe prevalence of past year major depressive episodes is increasing for female juvenile offenders, highlighting a need for improved efforts to target these populations for prevention and treatment.

Self-control stability and change for incarcerated juvenile offenders

PurposeFew studies have examined self-control stability with samples of serious offenders. This study examined incarcerated juvenile offenders to determine (1) if changes in self-control occur during confinement and (2) whether self-control changes affect functioning inside the facility and reoffending after release. MethodsThe analysis used data from a sample of male and female juvenile offenders in Florida who were released from a residential program in 2010–11. Self-control and functioning inside the facility were measured with risk assessment data collected at the beginning and end of the residential confinement. Reoffending was assessed for the 12months after release. ResultsAbsolute and relative changes in self-control were common, and the absolute changes overwhelmingly involved improvement. This led to improved functioning inside the facility and decreased odds of adjudication for a new offense. Follow-up analyses revealed a key difference between males and females—for reoffending in particular, effects of self-control change were observed only among females. ConclusionsJuvenile confinement in settings with evidence-based rehabilitation programming can produce self-control improvement. These improvements, in turn, are associated with contemporaneous improvements in behavior during confinement. These shifts also may lower recidivism after release, but this pattern appears less likely among males.