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Need Structure, Leisure Motivation, and Psychosocial Adjustment Among Young Offenders and High School Students

NCJ Number
184122
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 31 Issue: 1/2 Dated: 2000 Pages: 163-174
Author(s)
Katherine B. Starzyk; John R. Reddon; Jon P. Friel
Date Published
2000
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Data from 60 young offenders and 50 high school students in Canada formed the basis of an analysis of the relationship between leisure motivation and psychosocial adjustment and personality in these groups.
Abstract
The assessment instruments included the Personality Research Form-E (PRF-E), the Holden Psychological Screening Inventory (HPSI), and the Leisure Motivation Scale (LMS). Results revealed significant differences in averages for the HPSI Psychiatric, Social, and Depression Symptomatology scales; the PRF-E Affiliation, Aggression, Autonomy, and Harm Avoidance content scales; and the LMS Social scale. Statistically significant correlations also resulted between the LMS and 19 of the 20 PRF-E content scales as well as the HPSI Depression and Social Symptomatology scales. Findings indicated that young offenders are significantly less well adjusted than high school students and also have different leisure motivations and personality needs. Findings suggested that need structure impacts directly on psychosocial adjustment as well as indirectly through leisure motivation. Tables and 9 references (Author abstract modified)