Juvenile Delinquency

A chapter on the mental growth of the child, precedes an attempt to correlate aetiological factors with the stages of child development and so to reveal the psychological basis determining the origins of susceptibility to delinquency. Here the general views of Aichhorn. Healy and Bronner, Kate Friedlander, Bowlby, Stott, Glucks and Bovet are briefly represented and examined. Most of the book consists of a vivid description of nine main types of delinquent character and of the most suitable psychological and environmental treatments applicable to children in each of these categories. Although this classification is likely to meet with controversy, it seems eminently useful in the framework of facilities available at present. The author gives a full account of these facilities, including various forms of psychological treatment, probation and placement away from home (with relevant legal considerations). A chapter on prevention, and appendices describing suggestions by an international committee, ends this highly commendable book. It will be of great service to medical practitioners (especially in connection with reports to the courts, magistrates, probation officers and socal workers). Readers seeking more specialized experience will find it an excellent introductory textbook and will be stimulated