What's it like on the inside? The impact of self-concept on the educational engagement and delinquency of young offenders in a custodial setting

Research suggests that educational engagement is important in reducing the likelihood of reoffending by young people. This study assessed the relationship that self-concept and self-concept related constructs, had with educational engagement and delinquency in a sample of incarcerated young offenders. The life stories of 15 young offenders were also examined. The findings indicated that young offenders’ self-concepts, temperament and character predicted both their educational engagement and delinquency, suggesting that self-concept may be particularly relevant to rehabilitative efforts with young offenders. The findings also provide insight into how young offenders’ life experiences contribute to the development of negative self-beliefs, which influence their engagement in education.