Impact of Behavioral, Psychological and Social Dimensions upon Juvenile Delinquency

Abstract

Objective: The present study aims at identifying the dimensions behind juvenile delinquency, and to identify their
socio-demographic characteristics of gender, age, and type of delinquency.
Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted in correctional schools in Baghdad City to identify the
behavioral, psychological, and social dimensions contributed to juvenile delinquency. The study sample consisted
of (50) juvenile delinquents, of them, 27 males, and 23 females whose ages range from (12 - 20) years. Those
delinquents live in males’ correctional school in Al-Shalichia, and females’ correctional school in Al-Karradah, in
Baghdad City. The study sample was selected in purposively. The study questionnaire was designed by researchers
in order to achieve the study aims. The questionnaire consisted of four parts; delinquents’ socio-demographic
characteristics, their behavioral factors, their psychological factors, and their social factors. This questionnaire
consisted of (61) items. Its reliability was determined through a pilot study. Data were collected by using this
questionnaire for the period from 10/02/2013 through 17/02/2013. Data were analyzed by using descriptive
statistical measures of frequency, percentage, and mean.
Results: The study results demonstrated that the vast majority of juvenile delinquents are aged 15-17 years, and
males were at the age of 14-16 years when they committed the delinquency, most juvenile delinquents were of
those who had unable to read and write, the vast majority of delinquents live with their parents.
Recommendations: The study recommends to engage each of family, school, and social and psychological
agencies in delinquents’ rehabilitation and their integration into the society, there should be a cooperation with
the mass media to enlighten all segments of the society about the seriousness and prevalence of juvenile
delinquency, its causes and ways to prevent them, updating legislations and rules related juveniles in a way
consists with international standards of juveniles’ rights, as delineated by the instructional principles of the United
Nations in order to prevent juveniles’ delinquency