Abstract

MARTINEZ-LANZ, Patricia; BETANCOURT-OCAMPO, Diana; RENDON-BEYRUTI, Lynda  and  BURNS DE LA TORRE, Alana. Risk factors associated with male delinquency in Mexico: a study among inmates in a social male re-adaptation center. Rev. Crim. [online]. 2012, vol.54, n.1, pp.359-377. ISSN 1794-3108.

A transversal, descriptive and correlational study was carried out for the purpose of analyzing domestic violence, alcohol consumption, and depressive symptomatology in a group of inmates in a social re-adaptation center, and to determine as well the relationship between these variables and the type of crimes committed. A non-probabilistic sample of 385 men confined in a social re-adaptation center in Mexico was selected, of which the highest percentage consisted of males between 18 and 30 years of age. An instrument was used to assess: alcohol consumption in terms of frequency and amount (indicators of the National Addiction Survey); depressive symptomatology (Scale of the Epidemiological Study Center CES-D), and domestic violence (verbal aggression, physical aggression, humiliation, and disrespect). The results showed that 75.6% of the inmates had committed theft, and more than half of them were still awaiting sentencing. With respect to domestic violence and alcohol consumption, the highest percentage of inmates reported low volumes (81.8 and 49.5%, respectively). Nevertheless, in depression situations, 50% exhibited high levels. It was found that a larger number of inmates with a history of intense domestic violence had committed kidnappings, and a higher percentage of those with a heavy consumption of alcohol were charged with murder or manslaughter. As per those with high depressive symptomatology rates, most of them reported having committed rapes.

Keywords : Depression; alcohol consumption; domestic violence; correctional institution; men; males.

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