NCJ Number
94762
Journal
Youth and Society Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: (June 1984) Pages: 445-468
Date Published
1984
Length
24 pages
Annotation
The influence of select media variables in combination with more traditional social control variables on delinquency was examined, using self-report data.
Abstract
A total of 3,500 completed questionnaires from students in grades 4 to 12 were analyzed. The questionnaire included 27 delinquency items ranging from minor status offenses to major offenses such as breaking and entering. Social control variables included such items as commitment to conventional activities. Media variables were preference for violent TV and amount of time spent watching TV. Media variables selectively relate to self-reported delinquency. Moderate to strong positive relationships exist between program violence scores and delinquency. Select family, school, and peer variables exert stronger influences on delinquency than key media variables. It is possible that certain social control variables operate on delinquency through media factors. It is concluded that there is some link between violence projected in the media and real violence. About 80 references are appended.