Examining the Impact of Empathy on the Recidivism of Serious Juvenile Offenders

This study investigated the relationship between empathy and felony recidivism among juvenile offenders, with a focus on sex differences. Utilizing a sample of 4,372 incarcerated juveniles, we analyzed four empathy measures derived from the PACT assessment. Our findings revealed that male violent offenders exhibited higher levels of empathy and responsibility acceptance compared to their female counterparts. Notably, male sex offenders who respected authority demonstrated significantly lower recidivism rates, while female violent offenders who respected others’ property were also less likely to recidivate. No other empathy measures were related to male or female recidivism. These results enhance our understanding of empathy’s role in juvenile recidivism, offering valuable implications for research and practice in the juvenile justice system.