Adaptive and Learning Skills in Juvenile Delinquents

Abstract

The need for and the theoretical basis of a neuropsychological approach to juvenile delinquency are presented. In this investigation, 45 adjudicated delinquent boys and an equal number of controls were administered the complete Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). Controls were carefully selected to eliminate the usual confounding due to socioeconomic factors. Results showed significant differences between delinquents and controls on nearly all Wechsler and Halstead-Reitan variables. Results are interpreted as evidence for a neuropsychological explanation of some delinquency. Further discussion postulates that delinquency can be the result of a life style adopted due to consistent failures caused by deficits in adaptive abilities which are basic to success in our environment.