Insider Views on Juvenile Offending: Individual Differences vs. Social Causation

• In Event: Delivering Effective Programming to Young People in Juvenile Justice and Correctional Settings

Abstract

According to attribution theory, the meaning assigned to a particular behavior depends upon whether the behavior is considered a response to one’s environment or a result of personal choice. Attitudes toward rehabilitation are largely influenced by causal attributions. Public opinion research generally indicates stronger support for rehabilitation of juvenile offenders as compared to adults. Additionally, individuals who view crime and delinquency as a response to environment tend to be more supportive of rehabilitative ideology, whereas individuals who view these behaviors as a result of personal choice hold more punitive attitudes. However, research is limited regarding the relationship between attribution theory and rehabilitative ideology of criminal justice workers. The current study examines causal attributions of juvenile probation officers in a conservative Midwestern state. Results indicate mixed support for a relationship between causal attributions and support for rehabilitation among “insiders” in the juvenile justice system.

Authors

• Leigh Kassem, East Tennessee State University

• Jennifer Pealer, East Tennessee State University