Description of the Questionnaire

The Adolescent Delinquency Scale (ADS) is a psychometric tool developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota in the early 1990s. It consists of forty-five questions designed to measure the severity and frequency of delinquent behaviors in adolescents. The questions cover a wide range of delinquent acts, such as vandalism, theft and robbery, alcohol and drug use, violent or aggressive behavior, as well as rule-breaking and violations of social conventions. Responses are given on a five-point frequency scale ranging from “Never” to “Often.” The questionnaire is used in research, clinical, and judicial contexts to assess adolescent delinquency.

Data Analysis and Use

Responses are coded numerically, and the total score reflects the level of delinquent behavior. High scores indicate frequent and severe delinquent behavior, while low scores indicate rare or non-existent delinquent behavior. The data can be used for research purposes to study correlations with other psychosocial factors, in school and clinical settings for the early detection of adolescents in need of intervention, and within the justice system for risk assessment and recidivism prediction.

Objective

The aim of the questionnaire is to assess delinquent behavior among adolescents and to provide reliable data that can contribute to the prevention of delinquency, the development of educational and therapeutic programs, and a better understanding of the relationship between delinquency, substance use, and psychosocial factors.

Calibration

The scale was calibrated on adolescent samples in the United States and has been revalidated across various cultural contexts. Its reliability and validity have been confirmed through measures of internal consistency and correlations with other psychometric methods, such as substance use and aggression.

References

Anderson, C.A., & Dill, K.E. (2000). Video games and aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behavior in the laboratory and in life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78, 772–790.
Elliot, D. S., Huizinga, D., & Ageton, S. S. (1985). Explaining delinquency and drug use. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.