Adolescents Murderers: Abuse and Adversity in Childhood.

This study examines a group of 21 imprisoned males, convicted of murder whilst aged 18 years or less, and compares them on a range of psychosocial variables to 21 convicted non-violent burglars. Results showed that lower socio-economic status, harsh parenting, and exclusion from school were significantly more common for murderers. Confirms that multiple environmental factors are associated with murderous behavior. (Contains references and tables.) (GCP)