Behaviour problems in adolescence: A comparison of juvenile offenders and adolescents referred to a Mental Health Service

Abstract

This study compared the behaviour problems and specific social skill deficits reported by adolescent recidivist offenders and adolescents referred to a mental health service. The results demonstrated sex differences in the types of problems reported by adolescents in the clinic (referred) group. The results also demonstrated few differences between male offenders and males in the clinic group in terms of overall emotional and behavioural problems, general family functioning, specific social skills, and the intensity and control of anger. The results of this study have two implications. One implication is that social skills intervention programs need to address sex differences in the types of problems reported by adolescents attending mental health facilities. A second implication is that the social skills intervention programs are needed for juvenile offenders.