Psychological acceptance, perceived locus of control, and abstention or desistence from delinquent behavior among at-risk adolescents

Abstract

This study examines processes of psychological acceptance and perceived locus of control among at-risk adolescents and analyzes their influence on the avoidance or cessation of delinquent activity. The findings reveal that this process of psychological acceptance helps the adolescents to reinterpret risk factors in their lives as challenges that can be faced positively and, consequently, avoid or cease delinquent behaviors. We conclude that this introspective process contributes to the development of an internal locus of control and thus to the adoption of normative behavior and that dramatic crises in life can occasionally offer at-risk adolescents opportunities for positive change.

Keywords:

• adolescents
• psychological acceptance
• internal locus of control
• desistance
• criminal behavior

Notes

1 The term desistance has been given various definitions and descriptions in academic literature. Whereas some researchers have described it as a process (Laub & Sampson, 2001), others have related to it as a final state, “reflecting a consistent pattern of crime cessation” (Giordano et al., 2018, p. 1643). Here, we use the term desistance to describe the successful cessation of criminal conduct for at least three years.

2 The quotes were originally in Hebrew and were translated by two of the researchers.