Working Paper: NBER ID: w16698
Authors: Patrick L. Hill; Brent W. Roberts; Jeffrey T. Grogger; Jonathan Guryan; Karen Sixkiller
Abstract: Research on the causes of delinquency has a long research history, often with an undue focus on how cognitive ability serves as the main predictor of delinquent activity. The current review examines interventions that focus on psychological factors other than cognitive ability, and discusses how several of these programs have demonstrated efficacy in reducing delinquent behavior. Our review uncovers certain themes shared by a number of effective interventions. First, these interventions tend to emphasize rigorous and consistent implementation. Second, effective interventions often incorporate the family environment. Third, several effective interventions have focused on promoting adaptive social skills. In conclusion, our review discusses the possibility that these interventions have proven efficacious in part because they promote adaptive personality trait development.
Keywords: Delinquency; Criminal Behavior; Recidivism; Psychological Interventions
JEL Codes: K4
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| psychological interventions (D91) | reduction in delinquent behavior (K40) |
| interventions targeting social skills (Z13) | reduction in delinquent behavior (K40) |
| interventions focusing on family dynamics (J12) | reduction in delinquent behavior (K40) |
| psychological factors (other than cognitive ability) (D91) | reduction in delinquent behavior (K40) |
| personality traits (D91) | reduction in delinquent behavior (K40) |
| ineffective interventions (boot camps and scare tactics) (K42) | increase in delinquent behavior (K42) |
| rigorous implementation and family involvement (I24) | effectiveness of psychological interventions (D91) |