A follow-up of female delinquents: maternal contributions to the perpetuation of deviance

J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1991 Mar;30(2):197-201. doi: 10.1097/00004583-199103000-00006.

Abstract

Twenty-one female delinquents, neuropsychiatrically evaluated while in a juvenile correctional facility, were followed up to 7 to 12 years later. Compared with a matched sample of male delinquents, they committed fewer and less violent offenses. Unlike the males, early biopsychosocial variables were not predictive of adult criminality; however, most females were seriously impaired neuropsychiatrically. Mortality rates were high. Having come from abusive households, the female delinquents became suicidal, alcoholic, drug addicted, enmeshed in violent relationships, and unable to care for their children.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child Abuse / psychology*
  • Criminal Psychology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Juvenile Delinquency / psychology*
  • Juvenile Delinquency / rehabilitation
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Sex Factors
  • Violence