Psychosocial profile of Juvenile Delinquents (original) (raw)

The indulgence of the adolescent population in criminal acts has been increasing and is a very burning issue today. This study explores the temperamental and character traits along with psychosocial factors that might enhance criminal behavior among adolescents (juvenile delinquents). To examine the personality profile and social factors that may be responsible for the occurrence of criminal/offensive acts among Juvenile Delinquents. The sample included 35 juveniles recruited during their imprisonment in District Observation Home. The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) by Cloninger (1999) and a self-constructed psychosocial survey were administered. Results found that Novelty Seeking and Self Directedness have a significant negative and positive correlation with crime respectively while Self-Transcendence was non-significant.The psychosocial factors do play role in increasing offensive activities supporting the Nature versus Nurture concept works as competing factors in shaping the behavior outcome.