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The Interplay of Family Functioning and Impulsivity in Offending Patterns Among Incarcerated Adolescents
Esma Altinel Acoglu1, Ayşegül Efe2, Sıddıka Songul Yalçın3
1Department of Pediatrics, Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Ankara 06170, Türkiye.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Family dysfunction and substance use are common risk factors for justice-involved adolescents across various offenses. Impulsivity appears to be a general risk, not specific to certain crimes, highlighting the need for family-centered interventions.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Psychology
- Criminology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Justice-involved adolescents often exhibit complex risk factors.
- Understanding shared vulnerabilities is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if family functioning and impulsivity differentiate offense categories.
- To determine if these factors represent shared vulnerabilities among incarcerated male adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of 159 incarcerated male adolescents (aged 13-18).
- Utilized the Family Assessment Scale (FAS) and UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale.
- Offenses categorized into property, persons, sexual, and drug-related crimes.
Main Results:
- Family dysfunction was prevalent, particularly regarding parental involvement and behavioral control.
- Impulsivity levels were elevated but did not significantly differ across offense categories.
- Substance use was high, and repeat incarceration was common, especially for property and drug offenses.
Conclusions:
- Findings support a shared vulnerability model for family functioning and substance use across offenses.
- Impulsivity may act as a general risk factor rather than offense-specific.
- Emphasizes the need for family-centered, developmentally informed interventions in juvenile justice.
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