| This study examined DSM-IV clusters among 110 incarcerated male juvenile offenders. Adolescent males, ages 14-18, in a Midwestern correctional facility were given the Adolescent Psychopathology Scale (APS) and Initial Risk Assessment. Cluster analysis and factor analysis were used across the APS scales to determine cluster groups and comprehensive psychopathology components. Factor analysis was then applied to the APS scales of each cluster group. In addition, each cluster was compared to the juveniles' category of risk. In this study, 54.6% of incarcerated juvenile offenders self-reported DSM-IV diagnosable psychiatric disorders. A two-cluster solution was found: Psychiatrically Disturbed and Normative. The Psychiatrically Disturbed cluster had a significantly higher level of risk. A three-factor solution was found within the Psychiatrically Disturbed cluster: Emotional Conflict Disturbance, Social Insecurity-Avoidance-Bizarreness, and Impulsive Aggressive Conduct. On the other hand, a four-factor solution was found in the Normative cluster: Emotional Disturbance (Internalization), Aggressive-Reckless Behavior (Externalization), Bizarre Behaviors, and Social Insecurity-Isolation. Results from this study indicated that incarcerated juvenile offenders have elevated rates of mental health disorders and vary considerably in regard to their mental health symptomatology and characteristics. Thus, treatment should address the individual needs of the juvenile offender. |
