Characteristics of Female Juvenile Offenders' Emotional Life
Keywords:
delinquency, gender differences, attachment, mentalization, empathyAbstract
The aim of this study was to present characteristics of development, perseveration and treatment of antisocial behavior of female adolescents, specifically of their emotional life. Association of female delinquency and insecure attachment, difficulties in developing mechanisms of self-regulation and empathy capacities, as a consequence of early family trauma, was emphasized. Assumptions were offered about the gender differences in the context and meaning of criminal act and about the inner world of the delinquents – insecure attachment type, mentalization level and degree of empathy development. Finally, clinical and legal practice guidelines were given, and one efficient, multidisciplinary intervention program was presented.
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