Natural experiment in deviant peer exposure and youth recidivism.
Little empirical data exist addressing potential iatrogenic effects of placing youth in juvenile justice settings. We took advantage of a natural experiment in one state where juvenile offenders are evaluated in either residential settings characterized by high-density contact with delinquent youth or community settings with naturally varying contact with delinquent peers. Higher rates of subsequent recidivism were found among first-time offenders when evaluation occurred in residential (N = 1,255) as opposed to community settings (N = 752). This finding was replicated in a subset (N = 634 per group) matched using propensity scores for five predictors of recidivism. Findings are interpreted in light of a deviancy training process occurring in residential juvenile justice settings.
Shapiro
Cheri J
CJ
Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. drcherishapiro@gmail.com
Smith
Bradley H
BH
Malone
Patrick S
PS
Collaro
Alyssa L
AL
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D057237:Criminals; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000523:psychology*; D010379:Peer Group; D012112:Residential Facilities; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D014754:Violence