NCJ Number
72086
Date Published
1976
Length
306 pages
Annotation
A causal model for delinquent behavior was developed, the results of its use in a study of delinquent high school students are presented.
Abstract
Insights from several theoretical orientations were incorporated into the model which hypothesized direct and indirect effects of such factors as social class, parent-child relationships, school experiences, future-oriented strain, delinquent associates, delinquent values, and deterrence through fear of threatened punishment. The focal dependent variable, delinquent behavior, was measured by self-reported delinquent offenses, and questionnaire responses of 734 sophomores in three Seattle Wash., high schools were used to generate measures for each of the other variables in the model. The path coefficients were estimated using multiple regression analysis. The results supported several features of the model. Delinquent association was the variable with the greatest estimated effect on delinquent behavior, and this effect was even greater for those with a felt need for peer approval. Delinquent values and school success also had an effect on delinquency involvement, while parental attachments had weaker effects, indirectly through the parents' expectations for their children's success at school. The findings for both males and females were similar, although delinquent values were more salient for females and school success had a greater effect for males. A major accomplishment of this study was the demonstration that ostensibly competing theoretical orientations can be combined to yield a coherent causal model of delinquent etiology. Findings are presented in tabular form, and figures illustrate the relationships among the components in the causal model. Footnotes and a reference list are included. Appendixes contain the questionnaire and the measuring devices. (Author abstract modified)