Browsing by Author "Ahokangas, Aija"

Several risk factors focusing on individual differences and environmental aspects are associated with delinquency. The relationship between Big Five -personality traits and antisocial behaviour has been studied extensively. Especially agreeableness and conscientiousness have been found to decrease the probability for antisocial behaviour. Negative experiences attained in family environment, such as violence, have been found to increase the probability for antisocial behaviour and especially violent delinquency. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between five personality traits, experienced violence within 12 months, experienced corporal punishment within last 12 months and violent delinquency of Finnish youth. Data from Finnish Self-Report Delinquency Study 2012 was used in this study. Data consists of 4855 youngsters (aged 15-16 years) randomly selected from 51 upper comprehensive schools around Finland. Logistic regression was used in analyzing the data. Personality traits, experienced violence and experienced corporal punishment were used to predict the occurrence of violent delinquency. Agreeableness, as well as conscientiousness, predicted less violent criminal acts. Against the expectations, neurotic youth committed less violent acts whereas extraverted youth committed more violent acts. Young people who have experienced corporal punishment within last year were more likely to exhibit violent behaviour than youngsters who had not been punished corporally during the last 12 months. Young people who had experienced violence within family committed more violent acts than young people who did not have violent experiences at home. The results highlight the need for interventions aimed at reducing violence and corporal punishment at home environments.