Delinquency evolves from the interplay of specific life experiences. It may also devolve in a similar manner. Yet few social scientists have studied the devolutionary aspect of delinquency. Instead, the major emphasis has remained concerned with continued deviance and pathology. This article attempts to offer a fresh, more positive perspective. It examines the life experiences involved in delinquency devolution for one former juvenile offender. The author argues for a less pathological perspective of human behavior. An alternative approach—"Positive Outcomes Research"—is presented.
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