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Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, Vol. 6, No. 2, 178-194 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1541204007313229
© 2008 SAGE Publications

The Influence of Psychosocial Maturity on Adolescent Offenders' Delinquent Behavior

Keith R. Cruise

Fordham University, cruise{at}fordham.edu

Krissie Fernandez

Michigan Department of Corrections

Wendy K. McCoy

Federal Bureau of Prisons

Laura S. Guy

Simon Fraser University

Lori H. Colwell

Connecticut Valley Hospital

Tanisha R. Douglas

University of La Verne

Prior research has demonstrated the predictive utility of psychosocial maturity in understanding adolescents' decison making regarding antisocial behaviors and other legal decisions. This study investigated the influence of psychosocial maturity on adolescent offenders' self-report of delinquent behaviors over a 12-month time period. A total sample of 136 male and female juvenile offenders were recruited from two juvenile justice settings. Consistent with prior research, results indicated significant correlations between psychosocial maturity variables and self-reported delinquent behavior with the current results revealing a moderating effect of gender on these associations. Separate regression analyses were conducted for male and female juvenile offenders. After controlling for age and setting, the psychosocial maturity variable of temperance consistently predicted self-reported total, violent, and nonviolent delinquency for boys.

Key Words: psychosocial maturity • violence • juvenile offender • self-report


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