Substance abuse and criminal recidivism: A prospective study of adolescents

Studies of substance abuse among delinquents have shown mixed results on cr iminal recidivism. The present study evaluates personality traits associate d with substance abuse and recidivism among delinquent boys, and prospectiv ely determines the extent to which these factors are predictive of criminal recidivism. 134 incarcerated boys (x = 15.9 +/- 1.1) completed the Weinber ger Adjustment Inventory and the Substance Abuse Screening Inventory. Youth were prospectively followed for up to 4.5 years following release. Among i ncarcerated delinquents, personality traits are predictive of a positive su bstance abuse screen and recidivism. A trend indicating a possible interact ion between personality and treatment is observed. If these findings are re plicated, personality traits may play a role in predicting substance abuse as well as individual delinquent responses to treatment.