The factor structure of dominant personality dimensions in juvenile delinquents

The work of Cattell (l96l) led him to postulate a multifactor theory of neurosis as opposed to the two-factor theoretical position proposed by the studies of Eysenk (196U). Cattell (196I) supports his multifactor approach with replications of his general research on personality structure, although ". . .we may sometimes have- difficulty at this stage in confirming a particular hypothesis of interpretation." He has established an arbitrary distinction of what he calls neurotic process factors, which are less systematically associated and structure a much broader concept than the neurotic-contributory processes. While Cattell views delinquency in the neurotic model, his position regards delinquency as arisen- from the "second order" factors which compose the structure of the neurotic-contributory process. These concepts are based on his T-data derived by objective psychometric instruments. His findings support the more traditional psychoanalytic position which emphasizes the effects of the Id, Ego, and Superego, Cattell (1961) did redefine the Id process as being Temperamental Ardor, or "demandingness of the Id," In this model, the so-called normal holds a position between dipoles of neurotocism and delinquency.