1. Introduction Contemporary criminality of juveniles is a very complex phenomenon not only with respect to dynam- ics and structure, but above all with respect to factors predisposing to criminal behaviours (compare Reck- less [17], Kowalczyk-Jamnicka [6], Heidensohn [7]). A starting point for studies concerning criminality is often the idea that a key aim of social sciences is to study patterns manifested in social life and to attempt to present an explanation for these patterns [27]. This type of research task is realised through determination of, first, correlates of social behaviours in relation to theories explaining criminal behaviours, and, second, the so-called causal mechanism of these actions [27]. For this reason, creation of an aetiological picture of juvenile criminality requires increasingly penetrating and wider analyses of factors relating to the person committing the unlawful act and situational factors re- lating to the life situation of the individual, as well as the situation in which the given crime was committed. Research should be orientated towards explanation of development of criminal behaviours and analysing of risk factors appearing from the earliest years of life un- til adulthood [1]. Analysis of empirical studies on de- terminants of criminal behaviours indicates that the role of cognitive schemes in the aetiology of these be- haviours has only been studied to a very limited extent. The works of Samenow and Yochelson were precur- sors of studies in the field of cognitive schemes which determine criminal behaviours. According to their as- sumptions, sources of criminality should be sought in the style of thinking of an individual and his/her method of decision-making. Another researcher into schemes of thinking is Glenn D. Walters, who in his innovative monograph “The criminal lifestyle. Pat- Problems of Forensic Sciences 2010, vol. LXXXIV, 356–379 CRIMINAL THINKING STYLES OF JUVENILE DELINQUENTS Magdalena RODE, Danuta RODE Department of Clinical and Forensic Psychology, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland Abstract The paper presents preliminary results of research devoted to criminal thinking styles of juveniles. The sample group consisted of juveniles referred to the Diagnostic-Consulting Family Centre by the court in order to determine the degree of demoralization. The aim of the research was to characterise profiles of criminal thinking styles with the use of the Polish version of the PICTS tool by Glenn D. Walters. Cluster and factor analysis were performed on the basis of which the reliability and validity of PICTS were estimated. These indicators turned out to have high values. Results of factor analysis revealed the occurrence of two so-called metafactors of criminal thinking styles. The first factor (metafactor) encompassed the following styles: sentimentality, cutoff, en- titlement, power orientation. Due to this content, this factor was defined as defensive-aggressive thinking. The second factor (metafactor) encompassed the following styles: discontinuity, cognitive indolence, power orientation, mollification. The second factor was defined as passive-dependent thinking. The achieved research results correspond with Egan’s and Bulten’s research findings. Key words Criminal thinking styles; Juveniles; Criminality. Received 5 February 2010; accepted 11 August 2010 © by the Institute of Forensic Research ISSN 1230-7483