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Criminal Justice and Behavior, Vol. 34, No. 2, 259-273 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0093854806289828
© 2007 International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology

A Longitudinal Study of Psychological Functioning Among Juvenile Offenders

A Latent Growth Model Analysis

Jennifer Wareham

Wayne State University

Richard Dembo

University of South Florida

This study examines a sample of 278 justice-involved juveniles completing at least one of three follow-up interviews as part of a National Institute on Drug Abuse-funded study. Latent growth models are analyzed examining (a) changes in psychological functioning throughout time; (b) the effects of family problems, physical abuse, and sexual victimization on psychological functioning throughout time; and (c) differences across gender. Results indicate that the psychological problems of these youths remain relatively stable throughout time. Furthermore, consistent with findings from existing literature, psychological problems are related to the youths’ family problems and maltreatment experiences, affecting the psychological functioning of female and male youths differently. The findings suggest that focusing intervention and prevention early in a juvenile’s life is the most promising approach for preventing prolonged sociopsychological problems.

Key Words: juvenile psychological functioning • child abuse • parental substance use • latent growth models


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