Temperament of juvenile delinquents with history of substance abuse
Journal
Chang Gung Medical Journal
Journal Volume
30
Journal Issue
1
Pages
47-52
Date Issued
2007
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: The etiological factors and interrelations of juvenile delinquents, with psychiatric morbidity and substance abuse have been continuously debated. Cloninger's Tridimensional Theory of Temperament has been reported to predict patterns of substance abuse and comorbidity. In the current study, we aimed to examine the usability of the theory in predicting juvenile delinquency and substance abuse. Methods: Sixty consecutive and newly incarcerated male delinquents with history of substance abuse were recruited from a juvenile correctional facility in northwestern Taiwan from January 2002 through December 2003. All subjects were assessed of their temperament, behavioral problems, and psychiatric disorders on an individual base. Results: The juvenile delinquent subjects with childhood history of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were significantly younger, consumed less betel nuts, and had more siblings with history of drug abuse. Conclusion: Consistent with the results of Cloninger's studies, novelty seeking positively correlated to the amount of substance abuse, while harm avoidance inversely correlated in juvenile delinquents. Endemic trend of choice of substance abuse needs to be taken into consideration in future research projects.
Subjects
Adolescent; Juvenile delinquents; Substance abuse; Tridimensional personality questionnaire (TPQ)
SDGs
Other Subjects
adolescent; adult; article; attention deficit disorder; behavior disorder; betel nut; controlled study; human; juvenile delinquency; male; mental disease; substance abuse; Taiwan; temperament; Adolescent; Adult; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Humans; Juvenile Delinquency; Male; Substance-Related Disorders; Temperament
Type
journal article