Dissertation
The role of psychosocial maturity and race in juvenile transfer decisions: an examination through statistical models
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Jun 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001004
Abstract
Although young offenders are considered to be categorically less psychosocially mature than adult offenders, judges have limited empirical guidance as to how to appraise maturity or factor this information into judicial decisions. Earlier research on this topic indicates that judges focus more on indicators of criminal sophistication (e.g., offense severity) when determining appropriate dispositions of juveniles, but questions remain about the relative influence of psychosocial maturity, particularly in cases of less severe offenses. This study examined how judges weigh information indicative of psychosocial maturity when making decisions regarding treatment for juveniles, as well as how this information may be understood differently for adolescents of different races. Participating judges (N = 72) viewed one of four vignettes about a hypothetical juvenile, which varied in regard to psychosocial maturity and race. Participants then indicated whether they would transfer the juvenile to criminal court, and rated the degree to which the juvenile was in need of rehabilitation and three different justifications for punishment. Results showed that psychosocial maturity did not directly influenced judges' transfer decisions, but there was a significant indirect effect through perceived risk of reoffending on likelihood of recommending transfer. The potential implications of these findings in the context of the juvenile justice system are discussed.
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Details
- Title
- The role of psychosocial maturity and race in juvenile transfer decisions
- Creators
- Rebecca Lynn Schiedel
- Contributors
- Kirk Heilbrun (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vii, 62 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014695240404721