Theoretical Origins of Predatory Violence Phenomenon - A Study of Juvenile Offenders in Ohio

Predatory violence was defined has having committed five or more reported physical attacks on others. The subjects of the study made up 26 percent of the institutionalized population and were located in five correctional facilities for juveniles. The subjects completed three survey instruments, with additional data coming from their case records. Several characteristics distinguished predatory violent youth from other institutionalized delinquents. Predatory violence was significantly associated with frequent use of verbal violence; poor skills in anger management; and frequent experience of formal sanctions at school, work, and other settings. Predatory delinquents were physically as healthy as their less violent peers. However, they were more likely to have other family members with police records for violence. Male and black respondents were disproportionately represented in predatory violence, as were youths from more urbanized areas and youths with repeated experience with courts. Also discussed are the findings' relationships to theories and comparisons between males and females. Data tables and 224 references.