Electronically Monitored Youth: Stigma and Negative Social Functioning

Abstract

This study assesses how wearing an EM affects stereotype-consistent delinquent attitudes and cognitions, and whether feeling stigmatized for wearing an EM contributes to broader negative functioning for youth enrolled in an EM program. A total of 98 juveniles currently enrolled in an EM program were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (a) Stigma Salience (prompted to think about and describe wearing an EM), and (b) Stigma Non-salience (prompted to think about and describe their day). As hypothesized, youth with greater personal and group stigma for wearing an EM, also reported greater negative experiences while wearing an EM. This research can inform evidence-based practitioners, academics, and policymakers considering and crafting regulations for youth on EM or consider alternatives to EM.