This
is another one of those topics that could be argued either way and depends
heavily on the source or the personal experiences of the person doing the
arguing. I can tell you I have worked with adjudicated youth who are followers
and those who are leaders. When we talk specifically about self-esteem, the
results are very interesting and may or may not surprise you.
To
start from the beginning to understand why we are looking at these beliefs in
the first place, please read the first post, “Clarifying Beliefs About JuvenileDelinquency.”
Myth 6 – All juvenile delinquents have low self-esteem.
"Low
self-esteem is related to aggression, antisocial behavior, and
delinquency" (Donnellan, Trzesniewski, Robins, Moffitt, & Caspi, 2005,
p. 328). This statement is backed by empirical research and, quite possibly,
common knowledge. Low-self esteem is the culprit for insecure youth committing
acts with the motivation of potential friendship or popularity.
The other side of
the story, however, is the adjudicated youth for whom self-esteem is a strengthening
force, not a hindrance. Repeat offenders, or recidivists, are found to have
high self-esteem. In a study of the psychological characteristics of juvenile
offenders, Demuthova (2013) found, "recidivists … are more socially bold,
venturesome, thick-skinned, uninhibited, open to change, experimental, liberal,
critical, free-thinking … than non-recidivists...” (p. 182). She continues to
say they are characterized by “extroversion...low warmth...exaggerated
self-esteem" (Demuthova, 2013, p. 187).
While first time
offenders with minor offenses may be characterized by low self-esteem and a
“follower” mentality, the more serious and repeat offenders are more likely
characterized by “exaggerated self-esteem.”
