title: Delinquency: The role of self-esteem and social values.
abstract: Self-esteem and value orientation are recognized in several theories as important factors in the development of delinquency. In a comparison of these theories, value orientation and different aspects of self-esteem were assessed using an individually administered test battery with male delinquents, marginal delinquents, and nondelinquents. No value orientation or overall self-esteem differences were found. The results are interpreted as generally supportive of the Kaplan theory, which holds that delinquents use psychological defenses to enhance their self-esteem and to retain endorsement of socially accepted values.
authors.affiliation: Educational Assessment Systems, Inc., 3500 I Comanche, NE, 87107, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Zieman
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Benson