Behavioral and Dimensional Classification of Juvenile Delinquents

Abstract

As delinquency is a concept of law, delinquents as a group are not homogeneous. Hence, it is desirable to divide delinquents into homogeneous subgroups for research and practical works. For this purpose, many theories have been presented, but most of them are based on typology with methodological weakness.

H.C. Quay and his coworkers have published a dimensional classification method (4 dimensions are psychopathic type, neurotic type, immature type and subcultural type). It is based on behavior theory with use of multivariate analysis. The method is useful for our classification at the Juvenile Classification Homes, since it has reasonable supports from a theory of measurement, and data are collected from three sources, that is, test method, behavior observation method and interview method. The author have remodelled this useful method by giving it statistical and theoretical considerations, so that it becomes applicable to the Japanese youth.

Subject: 98 boys, aged 15 years to 19 years old, who were detained at Tsu Juvenile Classification Home.

Result: The original method was translated into Japanese and after selection of items on the basis of cultural difference, the items were statistically analysed. Finally, 10 items for each scale of the test method and behavior observation method with total of 60 items and 5 items for each scale of the interview method were chosen to form new scales. Although these scales contain fewer items than the original method, they have as much high internal consistency and reliability. Thus, the original method has been remodelled and become applicable to the Japanese youth, but part of its measurement, especially for the test method, it has unstable reliability which requires further consideration.