CT3s

CT3s refers to a classification within the Child-Turcotte-3 (CT3) system, a framework used to categorize and predict the behavior of certain types of juvenile delinquents. Developed by psychologists Sheldon Glueck and Eleanor Glueck, the CT3 system is part of a broader longitudinal study that aimed to identify factors contributing to persistent delinquency. The CT3 classification specifically focuses on individuals who exhibit persistent antisocial behavior across different settings and over extended periods, often showing a lack of remorse and a disregard for social norms.

Individuals classified as CT3s are typically characterized by a history of repeated offenses, including both property crimes and offenses involving aggression. They are often described as impulsive, rebellious, and lacking in empathy. The CT3 system posits that such persistent delinquency is often rooted in a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors, including genetic predispositions, personality traits, and adverse environmental influences during childhood. The Gluecks' research suggested that identifying individuals likely to fall into the CT3 category early on could inform interventions aimed at preventing long-term criminal careers. The CT3 system is a historical example of early criminological research attempting to create typologies of offenders.