Juvenile Delinquents: A Between-Group Comparison Study of Sexual and Nonsexual Offenders

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive descriptive study of incarcerated juvenile sexual offenders and an analysis of group differences between sexual and nonsexual offenders. The study utilized a large sample (N = 156) with a properly defined comparison group, standardized psychometric measures, and substantial institutional and therapeutic record reviews. The sample was described and compared on measures of delinquent history, intelligence, academic achievement, and psychopathology. The goal of the research was to identify characteristics unique to sexual offenders that could lead to etiological theories about why juvenile offenders act out as they do. The research results did not reveal a meaningful pattern of differences between the groups on the variables measured. The data supported the conclusion that sexual offending by incarcerated juveniles is likely to be but one expression of antisocial, violent behavior by these juveniles. The similarities are indicative of commensurate therapeutic needs for both types of offenders. In addition to sexual offender specific treatment, these juveniles should receive treatment that targets other aspects of their antisocial, violent behavior.

British adolescents who sexually abuse: A descriptive study

“…I The vast majority of these studies have described outpatient samples with only a few focusing on the incarcerated adolescent sexual offender (Jacobs et al, 1997).…”

Childhood maltreatment and executive functions in adolescents

“…Studies of the relationship between childhood maltreatment and executive functioning have produced a number of interesting findings. While some studies have reported significant associations between these two variables (De Bellis et al, 2009;Spann et al, 2012), others have found no relationship between them (Jacobs, Knnedy, & Meyer 1997;Veneziano, Veneziano, Legrand, & Richards 2004). Studies of children show that the executive components that appear to be most influenced by exposure to maltreatment are working memory, inhibition, verbal attention, processing speed, problem solving, planning, and decision making (Beers & De Bellis, 2002;Fishbein et al, 2009).…”

Juvenile Sex Offenders: A Case Against the Legal and Clinical Status Quo

“…Thus, family relationships of juvenile sex offenders appear to be challenged, but may not present greater clinical challenges than do the families of other delinquents. Several uncontrolled studies indicate that adolescent sexual offenders tend to have academic deficits (Awad & Saunders, 1989;Fehrenbach, et al, 1986), and these problems occur at rates similar to the rates of other delinquent youth (Ford & Linney, 1995;Jacobs, Kennedy, & Meyer, 1997). Like family problems, academic problems appear to function as nonspecific delinquency risk factors.…”