Citation

Langrehr KJ. Psychol. Serv. 2011; 8(1): 23-35.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Educational Publishing Foundation)

DOI

10.1037/a0021795

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examined the psychosocial histories of 134 male, juvenile offenders, focusing on race and the probability of being diagnosed with internalizing and/or externalizing psychological disorders at the time of their sentencing to a correctional institution for committing serious and violent crimes as minors. In addition, based on case file information, the author investigated offenders' histories with child maltreatment, court-ordered probation, and counseling services received as part of the child welfare and/or juvenile justice system.

RESULTS from logistic regression analyses indicated the probability for White youth to be diagnosed with internalizing disorders was over 19 times that of Black youth; however, rates of externalizing disorders were similar across groups. Although maltreatment histories were comparable based on race, White youth received more counseling services, were significantly older at the time of diagnosis, and were more likely to be diagnosed with internalizing and comorbid disorders. Issues regarding multicultural assessment in the child welfare and juvenile justice system are discussed, specifically highlighting the potential for attributional bias in the diagnostic and treatment recommendation process.

Language: en