Title

Self-reported copycat crime among a population of serious and violent juvenile offenders

Authors

Authors

R. Surette

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

Crime Delinq.

Keywords

VIDEO GAMES; AGGRESSION; Criminology & Penology

Abstract

A unique population of juveniles, serious and violent juvenile offenders (SVJOs), has emerged as a public concern. A corollary concern is the effect of the mass media on juveniles. Addressing both issues, an exploratory study of copycat crime and the media's role in copycat crime's generation among a sample of SVJOs is conducted. The study's goals are to measure the prevalence of self-reported copycat crime in SVJOs and examine the correlates of self-reported copycat criminal behaviors. Concerning prevalence, about one fourth of the juveniles reported that they have attempted a copycat crime. The correlates of copycat behavior include a set of media and peer-related attitudes. Academic and demographic characteristics are not found to significantly relate to copycat crime. Additional research on specific media, such as video games, as well is offender/nonoffender comparisons is suggested.

Journal Title

Crime & Delinquency

Volume

48

Issue/Number

1

Publication Date

1-1-2002

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

46

Last Page

69

WOS Identifier

WOS:000176958500002

ISSN

0011-1287

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