Description of the Questionnaire

The Likelihood of Violence and Delinquency Scale (LVDS) is a psychometric tool designed to measure the probability of exhibiting violent or delinquent behavior. It is primarily aimed at adolescents aged 12 to 16 and includes questions that assess attitudes, perceptions, and potential behaviors related to violence, weapon possession, substance use, and other high-risk activities. The questions are answered on a 4-point scale (1 = not at all likely, 4 = very likely). The total score is calculated as the average of all responses and ranges from 1 to 4, with higher values indicating a greater likelihood of engaging in violent or delinquent behavior.

Data Analysis and Use

The data collected through the scale can be analyzed descriptively, by calculating means and standard deviations, and comparatively, by gender, age, or other socio-demographic characteristics. Additionally, the results can be used predictively, to identify individuals at high risk and to design targeted interventions. The scale may be applied in clinical, educational, and correctional contexts, providing valuable insights for the development of prevention and intervention programs.

Purpose

The purpose of the questionnaire is to assess the risk of violent and delinquent behavior, to support prevention efforts through the early identification of at-risk adolescents, and to strengthen interventions aimed at reducing the likelihood of involvement in violent or delinquent activities.

Calibration

The response scale consists of four levels: 1 = not at all likely, 2 = not very likely, 3 = somewhat likely, 4 = very likely. The score is calculated as the average of all responses. The interpretation of results is as follows: from 1 to 1.9 indicates low risk, from 2 to 2.9 indicates moderate risk, and from 3 to 4 indicates high risk.

References

Dahlberg, L. L., Toal, S. B., & Behrens, C. B. (1998). Measuring violence-related attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors among youths: A compendium of assessment tools. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
Flewelling, R. L., Paschall, M. J., & Ringwalt, C. L. SAGE Baseline Survey. Research Triangle Institute.