The Influence of Psychosocial Maturity on Adolescent Offenders' Delinquent Behavior

Keith R. Cruise, Fordham University
Krissie Fernandez, Michigan Department of Corrections
Wendy K. McCoy, Federal Bureau of Prisons
Laura S. Guy, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Lori H. Colwell, Connecticut Valley Hospital
Tanisha R. Douglas, University of La Verne

Abstract

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.