Sarah Vidal

Social Networks and Social Control of Probationers with Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Problems

Probationers with co-occurring mental and substance abuse problems (PCPs) are both subject to considerable social control, and at high risk of probation failure. In this study, we screened 601 probationers for symptoms, interviewed 82 identified PCPs about their relationships, and then followed these PCPs for eight months to record treatment nonadherence and other probation violations. First, PCPs’ social networks were small, heavily comprised of professionals and opposing forces who engaged in risky behavior, and saturated with pressure to adhere to treatment. Second, the size and composition of PCPs’ social networks were more relevant to rule compliance than social support and undermining. Third, the quality of PCPs’ relationships was key: satisfying relationships with clinicians and, to a lesser extent, officers and the core network related to low perceived coercion, high treatment adherence, and low risk of future violations. In particular, having a likable clinician who engaged in participatory decision-making reduced the risk of violations. Implications for contextually sensitive risk reduction efforts are discussed.

Emotional Intelligence: Painting Different Paths for Low-Anxious and High-Anxious Psychopathic Variants

Psychopathic individuals may be disaggregated into low-anxious (emotionally stable “primary psychopaths”) and high-anxious (emotionally disturbed “secondary psychopaths”) variants that may differ in their capacity for adaptive behavior. In turn, the skills encompassed by emotional intelligence (EI) predict social and business success. Based on a sample of 188 male undergraduates, we evaluate the performance of low-anxious psychopathic, high-anxious psychopathic, and low psychopathic comparison groups on a measure of EI. High-anxious psychopaths manifested significantly lower EI than the other two groups, particularly with respect to managing emotions and facilitating thoughts. In contrast, low-anxious psychopaths manifested intact EI, with skill in facilitating thoughts. High-anxious (but not low anxious) psychopaths were more likely than low psychopathic comparisons to manifest violence. These results are consistent with the notion that primary psychopaths have greater capacity to attain success in traditional society than secondary psychopaths, and invite a direct test of this hypothesis in future research.

Examining the Link Between Perceptions of Relationship Quality With Parole Officers and Recidivism Among Female Youth Parolees

This study explored 140 female youth parolees’ characterization of their relationships with their parole officers (PO), examined whether the quality of PO–youth relationships relate to recidivism, and explored the role of parental assistance in acquiring services during reintegration as a moderator of the link between PO–youth relationship and recidivism. Female youth perceived both an interpersonal and professionalism aspect of PO–youth relationship. The association between the interpersonal quality of PO–youth relationship and violent recidivism was strong and significant for those who had low parental assistance, but nonsignificant for those with high parental assistance. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.

Miranda in Actual Juvenile Interrogations Delivery, Waiver, and Readability

Though laboratory and self-report research proliferates on youths’ Miranda comprehension and reasoning, little is known about how Miranda actually takes place inside the juvenile interrogation room. This study is among the first to present data on the Miranda processes and outcomes that occur in actual juvenile interrogations. Fifty-seven electronically recorded police interrogations with juvenile suspects were coded using software designed especially for observational research; this article examines a subset of those interrogations (N = 28) that contained a filmed Miranda component. Key variables include the manner of Miranda delivery, youths’ behavioral indicators of comprehension, and Miranda waiver rates. Additionally, the language used to present Miranda warnings to juvenile suspects was transcribed and analyzed. Results indicate that Miranda delivery typically occurred in a neutral manner, immediately upon interview commencement or after a brief period of booking questions. Miranda warnings were presented in various formats (verbal, written, and combination), and youth-specific modifications to the standard Miranda language were uncommon. The Miranda waiver rate in our subsample was 90%. The specific Miranda language used in these interrogations read approximately at a seventh-grade reading level. Implications of Miranda delivery, waiver, and readability are discussed.