Gender Differences among juvenile offenders in the background characteristics and personality functioning

Abstract

Not only have female juvenile offenders been understudied, but also few attempts have been made to explore differences between female and male juvenile offenders. To examine gender differences among juvenile offenders, 36 female juvenile offenders were compared with 202 male juvenile offenders, in terms of offender background characteristics and personality functioning. As a result, female and male juvenile offenders differed in various aspects: as to whether they had a history of psychological abuse in the family and whether they had delinquent friends. Significant differences found between female and male juvenile offenders included alcohol/drug abuse and ability to handle difficult situations. In addition, female juvenile offenders were more likely to display mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, schizophrenia, and suicidal ideations, than male juvenile offenders. The present study emphasizes that differential efforts of intervention and treatment for female juvenile offenders are necessary in order to prevent repetitive delinquent behaviors. Finally, limitations of the present study and suggestions for future research were discussed.