Youth who kill; a case study approach, /

Abstract

This study explored various demographic, socioeconomic, and psychological characteristics of juvenile killers. It was assumed that, in addition to extrinsic and environmental influences, a lack of empathic skill is a major contributor to homicidal behavior by youth. A case study approach was used, focusing on the youth that committed homicides in Youngstown, Ohio. Other methods of research were also used to explore the hypothesis that empathic skill has a negative relationship with homicidal behavior. In addition to the use of archival data as a means of research, questionnaires were used in interviews with offenders who committed homicide. The first questionnaire was comprised of 3 1 questions regarding the personal lives of the participants. The second instrument was Davis' Interpersonal Reactivity Index, a multi-dimensional measure of empathic skill. The final questionnaire was composed of eight questions that attempted to gauge the participants' perspectives on their particular crimes. Results showed that the participants in the current study share various characteristics common to juvenile killers, including the absence of a father in the home, unfavorable home environments, and criminogenic fnends and family members. However, results of Davis' instrument demonstrated that the participants have a moderate degree of empathic skill, giving weak support to the study's hypothesis. Implications for hture research and treatment possibilities were discussed that might add insight into, and help prevent homicidal behavior by youth.