Psychopathology in incarcerated juvenile delinquents: does it extend beyond externalizing problems?
The present study attempted to delineate factors that are associated with and may contribute to juvenile delinquency. Delinquents were compared to a matched control group of nonoffenders on a measure of mental health problems. Twenty-four male and female incarcerated juvenile offenders and 24 nonoffending adolescents were evaluated on the Revised Behavior Problem Checklist (RBPC). As expected, the offenders scored higher (an indication of more psychopathology) on the subscales of the RBPC which represent externalizing types of problems. The offenders also scored significantly higher on the subscales reflecting internalizing problems and psychotic behavior. The results of this study point to the importance of assessing and treating offenders, especially those who are incarcerated, for difficulties other than externalizing problems.
Armistead
L
L
University of Georgia.
Wierson
M
M
Forehand
R
R
Frame
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology* / Q000639:trends; D008297:Male; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D011599:Psychopathology; D012923:Social Class