Competence, delinquency, and attempts to attain possible selves

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Criminology
• Sociology

Background:

• Adolescent delinquency is a complex issue influenced by psychological and social factors.
• Understanding the interplay of impulsivity, self-perception, and social skills is crucial for addressing youth crime.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the influence of impulsivity, possible selves, and social-communication skills on delinquent involvement in inner-city adolescent males.
• To differentiate between high school and incarcerated youth based on these psychological and social factors.

Main Methods:

• Survey administered to 230 inner-city high school and incarcerated boys (aged 13-17).
• Statistical analysis to assess direct and indirect effects of impulsivity, possible selves, and social skills on delinquency categories.

Main Results:

• Impulsivity, perceived attempts to attain possible selves, and balance in possible selves were significant predictors of delinquency.
• Social and communication skills demonstrated both direct and indirect influences on delinquency.
• Impulsivity was a strong predictor for high school youth but not incarcerated youth.
• Predictive power varied across delinquency types (aggression, theft, hooliganism, truancy) and subsamples.

Conclusions:

• Psychological traits like impulsivity and social factors like communication skills are key differentiators in adolescent delinquency.
• The subjective meaning and social context of delinquent behaviors are vital for understanding individual differences.
• Interventions should consider tailored approaches based on individual psychological profiles and social environments.