Workers in institutions for adolescent girls have long been aware of the prevalence of homosexual behavior. An anonymous questionnaire study done in one institution indicated that 69 per cent of the girls had been involved. While this behavior assumed many forms it rarely resulted in direct genital contact. The prevalence of the behavior is most adequately explained as a product of the interaction between the unique personality problems of the girls, the stresses of institutionalization, and unhealthy attitudes on the part of the staff.

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Delinquency is viewed as an attempt to solve the identity crisis which all adolescents undergo. Group psychotherapy is recommended as a promising method for modifying the disturbed self concepts and antisocial values of adolescent delinquents. However, to work effectively with this population, generally accepted therapeutic goals and techniques must be altered. This article discusses resistances to therapy, the role of the therapist, session content, level of anxiety, “acting out,” transference and countertransference.