Empathy and socialization in first and repeat juvenile offenders and normals

Empathy and socialization in delinquent and non-delinquent juveniles is examined in terms of potentially identifying recidivists and the efficacy of therapist-trained empathy.

Abstract

The present study examined empathy and socialization in delinquent and nondelinquent juveniles. From 32 first offenders, 16 repeat offenders, and 19 normals who were administered Hogan's empathy scale and the socialization scale of the California Psychological Inventory, groups of 16 subjects matched on age and race were compared. Results indicated that the three groups did not differ on empathy but that each of the three groups differed on socialization. Results are discussed in terms of potentially identifying recidivists and the efficacy of therapist-trained empathy.