Gender-Based Psychosocial Differences in a Sample of Young Offenders

• Author: José J. López-Goñi,Javier Fernández-Montalvo,Alfonso Arteaga,Raúl Cacho
• Published date: 01 September 2021
• Date: 01 September 2021
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X20952403
• Subject Matter: Articles

https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X20952403

International Journal of

Offender Therapy and

Comparative Criminology

2021, Vol. 65(12) 1390 –1405

© The Author(s) 2020

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DOI: 10.1177/0306624X20952403

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Article

Gender-Based Psychosocial

Differences in a Sample of

Young Offenders

Alfonso Arteaga1,

Javier Fernández-Montalvo1,

Raúl Cacho1, and José J. López-Goñi1

Abstract

This study analyzes the differential psychosocial characteristics of male and female

young offenders with a judicial measure from a juvenile court in Spain. Data on

origin, recidivism, criminal and psychosocial characteristics of a sample of 838

juvenile offenders were collected using the Youth Level of Service/Case Management

Inventory (YLS/CMI). Most of the minors were males (n = 650; 77.6%). Regarding

the type of offences committed most males committed some type of crime, while

females mainly committed misdemeanours. The rates of infractions committed by

large groups and belonging to a gang were higher in males than in females. Concerning

psychosocial variables, females presented with higher scores than males in three areas

(parenting/educational guidelines, leisure and recreation, attitudes and orientation),

in the total score and in several specific variables of the YLS/CMI. Moreover, having a

poor relationship with one’s mother and limited participation in organized activities

were related to being a female minor offender, whereas having a short attention span

was related to being a male offender. These three variables correctly classified 77.6%

of cases. Female minor offenders present with a more severe psychosocial profile

than males. Therefore, gender-based variables should be considered and addressed in

prevention and intervention programmes for minors.

Keywords

young offenders, gender differences, psychosocial characteristics, risk factors,

assessment

1Universidad Pública de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain

Corresponding Author:

Alfonso Arteaga, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Pamplona,

Navarra 31006, Spain.

Email: alfonso.arteaga@unavarra.es

952403IJOXXX10.1177/0306624X20952403International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative CriminologyArteaga et al.

research-article2020

Arteaga et al. 1391

Introduction

Juvenile delinquency is a serious social problem. Some studies have shown that per-

petration of crimes during adolescence is a major predictor of criminal and anti-social

behavior in adulthood (Basto-Pereira et al., 2015; Cauffman et al., 2015; Piquero et a.,

2012). Therefore, it is necessary to know the specific characteristics of juvenile offend-

ers to develop effective interventions and address public concerns regarding juvenile

justice (Pusch & Holtfreter, 2018).

In Spain, of the 13,643 minors to whom a judicial measure was given in 2017, only

20.7% (n = 2,824) were female (Instituto Nacional de Estadística, 2019). Although

females are a minority in juvenile justice systems (Rhoades et al., 2016), different

studies have shown a striking increase in the proportion of female youth involved in

the criminal justice system over the last few decades (Bäckman et al., 2014; Pusch &

Holtfreter, 2018; Puzzanchera & Adams, 2011; Snyder, 2008). While boys are more

likely to be charged with violent offences (robbery and assault), female minor offend-

ers are more likely to present status offences, such as incorrigibility, truancy, and run-

ning away (Johansson & Kempf-Leonard, 2009; Leve & Chamberlain, 2005; Pusch &

Holtfreter, 2018; Ravoira et al., 2012). In addition, the likelihood of recidivism contin-

ues to be higher for boys. Specifically, females involved in the justice system are less

likely than males to persist in criminal activity beyond adolescence (Cauffman et al.,

2015; García-Gomis et al., 2017).

The increasing involvement of girls in juvenile justice systems over the past decades

indicates that gender must be taken into account when analysing juvenile delinquency.

Special attention to the risk factors, development, and specific needs of girls with dis-

ruptive and delinquent behaviors must be payed. Biological sex is a consistent predic-

tor of delinquent behavior: Being a male is considered as a risk factor for adolescent

delinquency (Janssen et al., 2017; Kazdin et al., 1997).

According to the gender role expectations, parenting, and pathways theories

(Janssen et al., 2017), parents may be more protective of their daughters, who receive

more supervision and discipline than boys do. However, a large number of studies

have found that the associations between parenting and delinquency are similar for

boys and girls (Hoeve et al., 2009). Anyway, girls’ initial involvement in the juvenile

justice system occurs with less violent behaviors, such as running away (increasing

exposure to criminal opportunities), substance abuse, and retaliatory violence.

Therefore, the different criminal behaviors in adolescence may be related to the differ-

ent pathways according to gender (Herrera & Stuewig, 2017). As the rates of female

involvement in the criminal justice system continue to climb, it is necessary to pay

attention to how they may differ from male offenders in both their pathways to crime

and their risk factors (Pusch & Holtfreter, 2018).

Sex differences in risk factors for juvenile delinquency are mainly found for indi-

vidual and family factors (Wong et al., 2010). Girls who are involved in the justice

system present higher rates of victimization within the family, particularly sexual

abuse, than boys (Dierkhising et al., 2013; Foy et al., 2012; Moore et al., 2013). Female

minors with a history of sexual abuse tend to have more extreme delinquency