Cluster Profiles of Residentially Incarcerated Adolescent Females: Violence and Clinical Mental Health Characteristics |
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| Authors: | Michael G. Vaughn PhD Christina E. Newhill PhD Christine M. Litschge MSW Matthew O. Howard PhD |
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| Affiliation: | 1. School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh;2. School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh , 2117 Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260 E-mail: mgv6@pitt.edu;3. School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh;4. School of Social Work, University of North Carolina |
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| Abstract: | We explored the presence of relatively discrete subgroups of adolescent females in a statewide sample (N = 94) using latent class statistical methodology. Specifically, we hypothesized that, rather than being a homogenous group, the girls in the sample would separate into clusters with both crossover and distinguishing characteristics. Results showed confirmation of our hypothesis with a best-fit three cluster solution consisting of a low violence cluster, a moderately violent cluster, and a high-rate violent cluster of girls. Findings provide a more precise identification and description of subgroups of female juvenile offenders to inform treatment efforts and provide a preliminary typology/cluster profile to build upon in future research addressing this population. |
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| Keywords: | Delinquent girls adolescent females female violence mental health juvenile offenders |
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