Motor activity and depression in juvenile delinquents
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to test certain predictions derived from a theory of juvenile delinquency. This theory states that delinquency is related to increased motor activity. This increased motor activity is the child's defensive process against experiencing an underlying depression. This depression is caused by the actual or emotional loss of the parent figure in an early stage of developnent.
From the theoretical statements, developed by Dr. Irving Kaufman, the following hypotheses were derived: When the juvenile delinquent is placed under tension; (1) the level of depression is higher than when the tension does not obtain, (2) the level of motor activity is higher than when tension is reduced, and (3) the level of phantasy directed toward the environment and action is higher than when tension is reduced.
The subjects of this study were thirty consecutively adjudicated male juvenile delinquents between the ages of twelve and sixteen.
Each subject was tested in two situations; a tension situation immediately prior to the first court appearance, and a reduced tension situation, two to six weeks later when the child learned the court's disposition of his case; i.e., probation or committment.
Depression was measured by the Rorschach scores associated with depression. Survey of the literature led to the selection of six indicators. These were: (1) reduced R, (2) increased reaction time, (3) decreased C, (4) decreased M, (5) more frequent responses involving C', and (6) increased F+%. Shift in these measures in the two situations constituted the measure of depression. [TRUNCATED]
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Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston University
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