Juvenile offenders and intervention analysis using antisocial potential theory

¶ … juvenile justice requires evidence-based interventions and corresponding policy. This intervention analysis research is rooted in antisocial potential theory, a subset of cognitive theories of criminality and social behavior. Antisocial potential theory suggests that at-risk populations, in this case youth, exhibit antisocial tendencies and that those tendencies can be mitigated via evidence-based interventions. The following annotated bibliography draws primarily from the disciplines of psychology and sociology, with a goal of informing evidence-based intervention policies and strategies. However, the research also includes empirical criminal justice research studies illustrating the relationship between juvenile psycho-social development and offender outcomes.

Baglivio, M., Wolff, K., Piquero, A., & Epps, N. (2015). The Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and Juvenile Offending Trajectories in a Juvenile Offender Sample. Journal Of Criminal Justice, 43(3), 229-241. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2015.04.012

This article approaches juvenile justice and intervention from a criminal justice perspective. Prior research has clearly shown that adverse childhood experiences and general trauma present one of the most profound risk factors predicting future delinquency, but also victimization. Using a large (64,000) sample size, the researchers identify and classify groups of juvenile offenders to show that specific factors influence patterns of criminal or deviant behavior. This research will be used to bolster my hypothesis.

2. Borduin, C., Dopp, A., & Taylor, E. (2013). Evidence-Based Interventions for Serious and Violent Juvenile Offenders. An Evidence-Based Approach To Assessment And Treatment, 192-210. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9781118320655.ch11

This article stresses the importance of developing effective interventions for at-risk youth and juveniles who have already committed offences. The theoretical stance is preventative, showing that intervention programs can reduce overall rates of crime and strengthen communities. The study examines the outcomes of different intervention programs, including types of therapeutic interventions like multisystemic therapy and functional family therapy. The results of this study will be incorporated into my research, as I seek evidence-based treatment interventions specifically designed for juveniles.

3. DeLisi, M., & Vaughn, M. (2014). Foundation for a temperament-based theory of antisocial behavior and criminal justice system involvement. Journal Of Criminal Justice, 42(1), 10-25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2013.11.001

Because my research focuses on antisocial potential theory, this research will prove instrumental in developing the criteria I will use for evaluation. This is one of the articles that focuses on antisocial personality disorder and related theories, linking psychology to criminology in critical ways. The authors find that two temperamental "constructs" evolve during childhood and adolescence, and that these constructs can determine issues related to self-regulation and behavior. Interventions that target these temperamental constructs (defined as effortful control and negative emotionality) would theoretically be more effective with at risk adolescents than other types of intervention.

4. Haegerich, T., Salerno, J., & Bottoms, B. (2013). Are the effects of juvenile offender stereotypes maximized or minimized by jury deliberation?.Psychology, Public Policy, And Law, 19(1), 81-97. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0027808

Although unrelated to antisocial potential theory, this article rounds out my discussion of juvenile criminology by exploring the role that juries play in determining the outcome of juvenile criminal trials. The effect of these trials on the adolescent and his or her community cannot be underestimated, and is related to the overall need to discover more effective ways of mitigating the potential for crime and antisocial behavior other than incarceration. This research shows that stereotyping can create significant bias among jurors, and that it may be important to develop methods of reducing juror bias in juvenile trials.

5. Iselin, A., Mulvey, E., Loughran, T., Chung, H., & Schubert, C. (2011). A Longitudinal Examination of Serious Adolescent Offenders' Perceptions of Chances for Success and Engagement in Behaviors Accomplishing Goals.Journal Of Abnormal Child Psychology, 40(2), 237-249. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10802-011-9561-z

As this research focuses on preventative measures to minimize juvenile offences and provide effective intervention to at-risk youth, this article offers a unique framework. The researchers derive their population sample from a program called Pathways to Disistance, and conduct a longitudinal study related to adolescents' self-image, perceived self-efficacy, and ability to avoid negative life outcomes. These psychological parameters tie in with antisocial potential theory by illustrating the importance of using cognitive-behavioral interventions on at-risk populations to prevent criminality.

6. Jolliffe, D., Farrington, D., & Howard, P. (2013). How long did it last? A 10-year reconviction follow-up study of high intensity training for young offenders. J Exp Criminol, 9(4), 515-531. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11292-013-9191-2

Correctional boot camps are one of the most common and well-known types of alternative sentencing for juvenile offenders. However, research has been ambiguous as to whether or not these programs work and if they do work, how long their effects may last. In order to boost the effectiveness of these programs, they need to be grounded in psychological evidence. This research provides such evidence in the form of an empirical analysis of long-term outcomes of a specific bootcamp program. The results will be incorporated into my research to highlight the importance of effective interventions.

7. Leverso, J., Bielby, W., & Hoelter, L. (2015). Back on the streets: Maturation and risk factors for recidivism among serious juvenile offenders. Journal Of Adolescence, 41, 67-75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2015.02.008

This study uses a population sample from the Pathways to Desistance study, and shows that cognitive and social learning factors influence criminality and predilection toward antisocial behaviors. Because of the way this research directly relates to antisocial potential theory and its effect on juvenile justice, its results will be incorporated into my research to show what types of specific psychological therapies, treatments, and interventions are needed to reduce criminal behaviors from emerging in at-risk populations or to reduce rates of recidivism.

8. Lupton, R., & Kintrea, K. (2011). Can Community-Based Interventions on Aspirations Raise Young People's Attainment?. Social Policy & Society,10(03), 321-335. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1474746411000054

Using a sociological framework that takes into account community variables, the researchers examine the role of environment on juvenile behavior and self-image. The neighborhood, the community, its norms, values, and worldviews have an impact on adolescent development, according to the authors. Antisocial potential theory likewise suggests that adolescents do develop antisocial tendencies due to social learning and related factors. This research, as mine, suggests that interventions can prevent problems before they erupt. I claim that emphasizing psychological interventions is more effective than emphasizing punitive justice.