The DOI matches its Crossref record; 71 of the 71 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
The Relationship of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to Crime and Delinquency: A Meta-Analysis
Abstract
In recent years, criminologists have begun to focus more closely on how certain biosocial and/or neuropsychological factors may influence criminal and delinquent behaviour. One factor that is emerging as a potentially important correlate of such behaviour is Attention Deficit — often combined with hyperactivity — Disorder (ADD and/or ADHD). The results of the growing body of empirical literature assessing this link are, however, inconsistent. The present study subjects this body of research to a ‘meta-analysis' — or, ‘quantitative synthesis' — to establish both the overall effect of ADHD on crime and delinquency and the degree to which this relationship is conditioned by methodological factors across empirical studies. The analyses reveal a fairly strong association between measures of ADHD and criminal/delinquent behaviour. Nevertheless, these effects are not invariant across certain salient methodological characteristics. The implications for criminological theory and correctional policy are discussed.
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“ADHD has been associated with increased criminality [39], with one study reporting that 47% of patients with ADHD had at least one criminal sentence [4].”
From Adult ADHD and comorbid disorders: clinical implications of a dimensional approach (2017) · cites this paper as [39]
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Metadata
- Authors
- Pratt, T. C., Cullen, F. T., Blevins, K. R., Daigle, L., & Unnever, J. D.
- Affiliations
- Washington State University (US)
- Venue
- International Journal of Police Science & Management
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2002-10
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 344-360
- ISSN
- 1461-3557 (ISSN-L)
- 1478-1603
- OpenAlex
- W2062451689
- Cited by
- 173
- References
- 71
- Citations by year
- 2026: 8 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 8 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 10 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 11 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 9
- FWCI
- 0.54
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- International Journal of Police Science & Management (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Crime Patterns and Interventions
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychopathy, Forensic Psychiatry, Sexual Offending
- Keywords
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, crime, delinquency, juvenile delinquency, neuropsychological factors, biosocial factors, methodological factors, correctional policy, criminological theory
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