Dropout delinquent adolescents: Psycho-diagnostic aspects of using the Bender-Gestalt Test and WISC-R

Abstract

This study aims to demonstrate the way in which the BGT (Bender-Gestalt Test) can indicate the existence of subgroups among dropout delinquent adolescents and to examine the relationship between BGT and WISC-R (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Revised) scores in dropout adolescents and normative youth. The subjects were 232 adolescents who underwent diagnostic testing at a psycho-educational center in Israel. They were divided into three research groups: dropout delinquents living in residential institutions; dropout delinquents living at home; and a contrast group of young people who were neither dropouts nor delinquents. The findings indicated that the BGT could differentiate between these groups, and help define the status of each group. Results showed significant correlation between BGT and WISC-R results. The importance of diagnostic ability for educators and researchers is discussed.