Title

Self-Reported Copycat Crime Among A Population Of Serious And Violent Juvenile Offenders

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 as offender/ nonoffender comparisons is suggested.

Publication Date

1-1-2002

Publication Title

Crime and Delinquency

Volume

48

Issue

1

Number of Pages

46-69

Document Type

Review

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1177/0011128702048001002

Socpus ID

0036217882 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/0036217882

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