Correctional Officers’ Views on Juvenile Offending: Nature Versus Nurture in Rehabilitative Attitudes

• In Event: Views on Rehabilitation and Punishment

Abstract

Previous research on causes of criminal behavior has focused on either individual differences or societal causes. Furthermore, these studies have found that social context shapes attitudes toward crime, justice and rehabilitation. However, the literature has focused on the general public’s attitudes toward adult offending and antisocial behavior and neglected juvenile delinquency. The current study examined insiders’ views on causation of juvenile delinquency by surveying juvenile correctional workers in two facilities in a Midwestern state. Results indicated mixed support for both individual explanations of delinquency and societal causes.

Authors

• Jennifer Pealer, East Tennessee State University

• April Terry, Kansas State University

• Katelynn Adams, East Tennessee State University

• Leigh Kassem, East Tennessee State University