Psychological Profiles of Brazilian Adolescent Offenders

Abstract

The present study verified the existence of psychological profiles among Brazilian adolescent offenders, using data from a sample (n=858) collected with the Brazilian version of the Revised Jesness Inventory (JI-R-Br). This instrument is a comprehensive, self-report measure of personal dispositions (traits) that are associated with vulnerability to antisocial behavior (Impulsivity, Aggression/Hostility, Sensation Seeking) and adaptive patterns (Antisocial Values/Beliefs and Antisocial Attitudes). Cluster analyses showed three significantly distinct groups: group 1 (n=276), called Asocial, was comprised of impulsive/aggressive adolescents with high antisocial motivation, low self-control and very focused on their own needs. Group 2 (n=346), called Neurotic Antisocial, was comprised of adolescents with high rates of depression and anxiety, as well as low self-control, but with less antisocial motivation when compared with group 1. Group 3 (n=236) was similar to group 4 (normative group; n=572). Our results corroborate those described by other studies in the literature. They show the importance of different practices and/or interventions when working with offenders, given that there are different profiles based on different psychological characteristics/needs for this population.

Social Maladjustment and Criminal Behavior Pattern Changes in Adolescents in Conflict with the Law

“…As a result, it is important to have means of assessing judicialized adolescents in terms of behavior patterns, personality and the social context in which they develop, so that programs can plan actions that are adjusted to their needs. There is national and international evidence that adolescent offenders differ in profiles that represent differences in terms of the pattern of criminal conduct and psychological functioning, which even predict to a large extent behavioral development over time (Bazon & Galinari, 2017;McGee & Farrington, 2016;Moffitt, 2018).…”

“…In order to identify and understand psychological profiles among adolescent offenders, Bazon and Galinari (2017) analyzed data from a sample of 858 judicialized Brazilian adolescents. Through a cluster analysis, they identified three groups significantly different from one another, one with normative psychological functioning, another with moderate levels of antisocial and impulsivity orientation and indicators of anxiety and depression, and a third with a strong antisocial and impulsivity orientation, in addition to hostility towards others.…”

Desenvolvimento Social e da Personalidade e os diferentes padrões de conduta infracional na adolescência

“…Denota-se também um perfil que descreve indivíduos com problemática significativa, porém diferente, que na maior parte das tipologias é referido e descrito como "neurótico" (Fréchette & Le Blanc, 1987;Warren, 1971), retratando indivíduos com muitos conflitos internos, afetados por altos níveis de ansiedade e de depressão, e que se mostram socialmente isolados, embora com desejo e com capacidade para se ligar ao outro (ao social), na linha daquilo que se destacou na descrição do Grupo 2 identificado por Bazon e Galinari (2018).…”