Personality characteristics of juvenile offenders: differences in the CPI by age at first arrest and frequency of offending

This report examined the personality differences of offenders who were classified by their age at first arrest and frequency of lifetime arrests using a large sample of juvenile delinquents. The offenders were assessed with the California Personality Inventory (CPI) between 1964 and 1965 and followed-up in 1984 and 1985 to obtain a 20-year arrest history. The data reported here suggest that most personality differences within criminals center on measures of normative orientation and values and on measures of cognitive and intellectual functioning. These personality findings are discussed within the context of broader theories of crime and delinquency.