Abstract

This is a paper about the relationship of stigmatization to social class in XYY individuals, and of this relationship to manifestations of aggressive behavior. The sample comprised 15 men and youths with the XYY syndrome; eight were identified in a survey of institutions for males with behavior disorders and seven were privately referred. All had been stigmatized by physique and appearance and/or behavior. The most frequent stigmatizing features were excessive height for age, excessive impulsiveness in behavior, and excessive temper tantrums in childhood; these were present in all cases. Antisocial or law-breaking behavior was present in 13 cases. Stigmatization did not correlate with socioeconomic class, rated according to the Shevky and Bell scale as modified to suit the study. However, the consequences of stigmatization were class related in that the lower the class, the greater the chance that the XYY individual would spend time in the penal as well as the medical system of society.