NCJ Number
75331
Journal
Children and Youth Services Review Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: special issue (1980) Pages: 315-329
Date Published
1981
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The causes of delinquency among youth of above average intelligence are reviewed from two perspectives: that gifted children are more prone to delinquency because of environmental factors, and that the same factors discourage delinquency.
Abstract
Above-average intelligence is considered a delinquency stimuli by some researchers because gifted children are likely to be more sensitive to their environment than are less intelligent youth. An opposite perspective is taken by other researchers who believe that gifted children are more capable of surmounting environmental obstacles because of their insight into the consequences and long-term results of their behaviors. Surveys of research indicate that gifted youth are less likely to appear in delinquent populations. Those gifted youth who do appear in delinquent populations usually are from disrupted and unstable homes. Gifted delinquents represent 3 to 5 percent of the youth offender population. Bright youth are less likely to commit status offenses and more likely to be motivated by psychological considerations. School performance for most bright delinquents is far below capacity, although evidence that indicates that some youths become disruptive outside of school before their school performance deteriorates. Gifted delinquents who come before juvenile court generally have a poor prognosis. Sixteen references are included.