Comparing Personality Characteristics of Juvenile Sex Offenders and Non-Sex Offending Delinquent Peers: A Preliminary Investigation

Abstract

There exists a paucity of research on psychopathology among Juvenile Sex Offenders (JSOs) as measured by standardized instruments, particularly as compared to nonclinical and other clinical populations. The current investigation involved a comparison of scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent Version (MMPI-A) between a group of JSOs and non-sex offending delinquent peers. Thirty-six youth from a staff-secure residential facilitate participated, 18 JSOs and 18 non-sex offending delinquent peers. Results revealed that the mean score on clinical Scale 4 (Psychopathic Deviant) was in the clinically significant range for non-sex offending peers and not for JSOs, although the difference between the mean scores was not statistically significant. Chi-square analysis indicated that a significantly greater number of non-sex offending delinquents had scores in the clinical range on this scale as compared to JSOs. Results are discussed in the context of current research on psychopathology among JSOs.

Offender Types and Criminality Dimensions in Male Juveniles Convicted of Sexual Offenses

“…Thus the JSO-H+ group in the present study showed a versatile, antisocial profile which has been often described in former studies of JSO (Butler & Seto, 2002;Freeman et al, 2005;Ronis & Borduin, 2007;Seto & Barbaree, 1997;van Wijk, Loeber et al, 2005;van Wijk, van Horn, Bullens, Bijleveld, & Doreleijers, 2005;van Wijk et al, 2006). Sexual inadequate behavior of these JSO represents a part of a more comprehensive behavioral problem which also includes general rule breaking behaviors and social deficits.…”

“…Furthermore, some studies found that JSO did not differ from violent or general juvenile offenders according to their early childhood problems, current behavioral adjustment, personality traits, antisocial attitudes and family background characteristics (Butler & Seto, 2002;Freeman et al, 2005;Ronis & Borduin, 2007;van Wijk, Loeber et al, 2005). Because of these findings, some authors concluded that JSO do not need specialized sexual treatment and may profit from intensive family and social interventions as general antisocial youth do (Letourneau et al, 2009;Ronis & Borduin, 2007).…”

“…Previous research has addressed common misperceptions of JSO regarding (1) their specific characteristics compared to other adolescent offenders, (2) their risk of sexual reoffending, and (3) their homogeneity (Chaffin, 2008). JSO were found to be largely comparable to other juvenile offenders in terms of personality and psychosocial circumstances (Butler & Seto, 2002;Freeman, Dexter-Mazza, & Hoffman, 2005;Ronis & Borduin, 2007;van Wijk, Loeber et al, 2005). Furthermore, JSO were found to have rather low recidivism rates for sexual reoffending but to show higher recidivism rates for non-sexual reoffending (see meta-analyses by Caldwell, 2010;Gerhold, Brown, & Beckett, 2007).…”

Risk Factors for the Involvement in Criminal Behaviors in Adolescence

“…Research in the field have shown data that reveal that criminal groups exert a considerable influence in the delinquent behavior of their members imposing the member's conformity to the group norms (Deslauriers et al, 2010). Recent studies reveal that refused teens from their peers are several times more riskiness to show an antisocial behavior (Freeman et al, 2005) in the same way in future compared to the non-refused children. Through interviews conducted it is aimed to explore on the risk factors that push youth to be involved in delinquent behavior.…”

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“…The results of a study conducted, about 45% of juvenile male parents with behavior problems ( . Recent studies reveal that refused teens from their peers are several times more riskiness to show an antisocial behavior (Freeman et al, 2005) in the same way in future compared to the non-refused children. Through interviews conducted it is aimed to explore on the risk factors that push youth to be involved in delinquent behavior.…”