A Swedish sample of 45 adolescent males who have sexually offended: Background, individual characteristics, and offending behavior.

This study describes the background, individual characteristics, and offending behavior of 45 adolescent males who have sexually offended. This group was also compared to adolescents from the general population. The data sources were intake assessment information and questionnaires. Family problems and neglect were common. Having separated parents and growing up in large families or foster-homes discriminated the group from the general population of Swedish adolescent males. The group scored higher than norm data regarding anger, depression, and disruptive behavior. They showed a wish to present themselves in a positive way and they were less open concerning sexuality than a comparison group. There were overall few significant differences between the target group and the comparison groups. Future studies need to explore offender sub-groups; specifically how and why problematic backgrounds affect children differently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]