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

    Authors

    R. Surette

    Comments

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    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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