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Motor difficulties in young people who offend
Martin McPhillips1, Bronagh Taylor2, Donncha Hanna3
1Department of Psychology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, England L39 4QP, UK.
Research in Developmental Disabilities
|September 7, 2021
Summary
Young offenders exhibit significant motor skill deficits and persistent reflexes, which are linked to aggression. These findings highlight the importance of addressing motor function in rehabilitation programs for justice-involved youth.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Motor difficulties are linked to behavioral issues in children.
- Limited research exists on motor function in young offending adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess motor skills, balance, and reflex persistence in young offenders.
- Examine motor factors' association with self-reported aggression.
Main Methods:
- Compared three groups of males (14-18 years): youth justice offenders, IQ-matched non-offenders, and average-IQ non-offenders.
- Utilized standardized motor skills tests, balance assessments, reflex persistence protocols, and self-report behavioral scales.
Main Results:
- Youth justice group showed lower motor skills and balance, with higher reflex persistence and aggression.
- Manual dexterity and primary reflex persistence significantly predicted aggression.
Conclusions:
- Young people in the justice system often have diverse motor difficulties.
- Motor impairments have implications for offender rehabilitation strategies.
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