An exploration of the demographic and social correlates of criminal behavior among adolescent males.

PURPOSE

This paper describes an investigation into the demographic and sociologic characteristics of male adolescent ages 15-18 years in a youth detention center as a result of delinquent behaviors. The intent of the study was to determine which characteristics were correlated with a high severity of criminal behaviors.

METHODS

A descriptive survey research design was used with self-scored questionnaires distributed to 201 adolescent males in a youth detention center in a metropolitan southeastern city with a population of 907,000. Subgroups were created based on the severity of crime committed and whether or not the adolescent was a gang member. Chi-square and Student's t-tests were used to examine differences in the demographic and sociologic characteristics of subgroups.

RESULTS

When demographic and social characteristics were assessed, adolescents who reported committing more serious crimes also reported more problem behaviors (p = .001) than those who committed less serious crimes. Adolescents who reported a higher number of arrests also reported more school, social, personal, and family problems. Those who were gang members reported more school problems, were arrested more often, and committed more serious crimes than nongang members.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the current emphasis on prevention, findings from this study indicate intervention programs must be directed at a combination of demographic and sociologic risk factors. Exploration of whether gang membership might be used for constructive purposes is justified.