Mental illness and psychosocial dysfunction among adolescents in the juvenile justice system.

详细信息   

• 作者：Marzio ; Robert Louis.
• 学历：Ph.D.
• 年：2016
• 毕业院校：Alliant International University.bSan Francisco, CSPP.
• Department：Criminology.
• ISBN：9781321834895
• CBH：3708326
• FileSize：3464636
• Pages：150

文摘

Adolescents in the juvenile justice system experience disproportionately high levels of mental illness compared to the general population. Additionally, they are at increased risk for other social, interpersonal, and behavioral problems. Two mental health problems in particular are indicated in their separate and combined effects on the lives of these young people: depression and conduct problems. When young people experience a combination of both of these factors, it is predicted that psychosocial problems will also be present to a greater degree. A sample of 887 youth aged 13 to 17 years and involved in the San Francisco juvenile justice system were tested using the Child and Adolescent Strengths and Needs-Mental Health CANS-MH) assessment tool. They were rated on scales of depression and conduct, as well as several psychosocial variables measuring the functionality of various domains in the young peoples lives. Using hierarchical regression, several factors were found to be related to depression and conduct problems: Developmental functioning, School Attendance, Educational functioning, Legal Involvement, Physical/Medical Issues, School Achievement, Sexuality, Vocational functioning, and Suicide Risk. Additionally, when the factors of gender and ethnicity were included in the analysis, several other functional aspects were indicated. Although depression and/or conduct were significantly related to each of these factors, only three demonstrated an interactive effect: Recreational Functioning, Developmental Functioning, and Sexuality. Reasons for this pattern are discussed, as well as possible implications for treatment and assessment among this population.