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69
There has been a tendency recently in current opinion to disregard the significance of the
intelligence quotient (I.Q.) in delinquency, but, though admittedly only one factor, it is, nevertheless,
an important constitutional feature. The mean I.Q. of these 470 cases was 87 -5. In 279 cases,
the I.Q. was between 70 and 95, while only 55 cases had an I.Q. greater than 105. It is significant
that the I.Q. in 93 cases lay between "0 and 79. Admittedly this group of 470 cases is a selected
one. In any individual, a mental capacity less than the average definitely constitutes a handicap
in life.
Perhaps an even more important factor than I.Q. is abnormality in temperamental charactertraits,
which is the principal serological factor in a large group of delinquents. Such individuals
suffer from defects of temperament which are inborn. A careful study of the heredity in such cases
would yield valuable information.
Where the principal serological factor is an environmental character-trait, there is good scope
for successful treatment through the environment. The group characterised by reaction charactertraits
are, for the most part, children who should respond well to improvement in environmental
circumstances ; but, in some cases, psychotherapy is necessary to enable the child to understand
the manner in which his delinquent conduct is a reaction to difficulties not outside but within
himself.
Psychoneurotic cases require psychotherapy for their adequate correction. In psychotic
cases, the delinquency is only a part of a general psychosis requiring specialised management and
treatment. Psychopathic personalities can be dealt with only by supervision and control. The
groups overlap and are not sharply defined entities. There are exceptions to the generalisations,
and most cases are mixed.
In order that tables 42 and 43 may be more fully appreciated it is considered advisable to
define shortly and precisely some of the groups, as follows :—
A temperamental character-trait is an inherent quality of the mental constitution, closely
linked to, and dependent on, the physiological endowment of the individual.
An environmental character-trait is a mental attitude acquired in response to the direct
influence of the environment. The environment comprises everything outside the individual.
A temperamental character-trait may combine with an environmental character-trait
in delinquency. For example, an unusually suggestible type of boy is more prone to join
a gang of thieves than is a less suggestible boy.
An exaggerated character-trait is due to the over-stimulation of a native tendency; for
example, excessive aggressiveness overdeveloped by parental example.
A reaction character-trait is a mental attitude which serves to repress the opposite tendency
; i.e., it is a reaction to a difficulty in onesslf and not in environment. For example,
a child deprived of love may repress the need for love by becoming aggressive and independent,
and he must continue thus lest the yearning for love emerges. Treatment by analysis
or environmental methods aims at a healthier way of dealing with the frustrated need, and
so achieving harmony of the whole personality.
A psychoneurotic character-trait is the emergence of a repressed tendency. It is always
contrary to the character of the individual; e.g., the model pupil who steals.
A psychotic character-trait is part of a state of insanity.
It is a pleasure to acknowledge the unvarying assistance and help of Mr. M. S. T. Jones and
also of Mr. A. M. Murray.