Citation

Wareham J, Dembo R. Crim. Justice Behav. 2007; 34(2): 259-273.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0093854806289828

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examines a sample of 278 justice-involved juveniles completing at least one of three follow-up interviews as part of a National Institute on Drug Abuse-funded study. Latent growth models are analyzed examining (a) changes in psychological functioning throughout time; (b) the effects of family problems, physical abuse, and sexual victimization on psychological functioning throughout time; and (c) differences across gender.

RESULTS indicate that the psychological problems of these youths remain relatively stable throughout time. Furthermore, consistent with findings from existing literature, psychological problems are related to the youths' family problems and maltreatment experiences, affecting the psychological functioning of female and male youths differently. The findings suggest that focusing intervention and prevention early in a juvenile's life is the most promising approach for preventing prolonged sociopsychological problems.

Keywords: Juvenile justice

Language: en