The influence of family cohesion, academic performance, and deviant peer involvement on adolescent delinquent behavior: A social psychological examination

Little research was conducted previously that examined multiple characteristics of adolescent delinquent behavior through a social psychological framework. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of family cohesion, academic performance, and deviant peer association on adolescent delinquent behavior. The participants consisted of adolescents from various regions of Mississippi, both rural and urban areas. The three variables were examined by a social psychological framework using three theories, (a) Glasser's choice theory (counseling), (b) Sutherland and Cressey's differential association theory (sociology), and (c) Hirschi's social control theory (criminology). Glasser's choice theory suggested that adolescents made a “choice” to engage in delinquent behaviors due to unfulfilled psychological needs. Differential association theory posited that interaction with deviant adolescent peers influenced participation in adolescent delinquent behaviors. Social control theory, included four components of attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief, asserted that adolescents unattached to the family, school, church, or other positive socializing agents were more likely to become involved in delinquent behaviors.; The researcher found that each independent variable was a significant predictor of adolescent delinquent behaviors. After controlling for sociodemographics, the variables ranked as follows with regard to the percent of explained variance in adolescent delinquent behaviors: Deviant peer association (12%), family cohesion (5%), and academic performance (1%). However, when the researcher examined all independent variables collectively, they explained 15% of the variance in delinquent behaviors.; The researcher concluded that higher scores of family cohesion were associated with lower scores of delinquent behaviors; higher GPA's were associated with lower scores of delinquent behaviors; and higher scores of deviant peer association were associated with higher scores of delinquent behaviors.; Collectively examining (a) deviant peer association, (b) family cohesion, and (c) academic performance can assist clinicians to develop more effective programs that combat adolescent delinquent behaviors holistically by addressing multiple influential variables rather than targeting single variables. For example, enhancing family cohesion can also combat deviant peer association. Strategies used to enhance family cohesion, also may enhance effective communication and socialization. Enhancing family cohesion may also decrease the association with deviant peers who would model and reinforce deviant behaviors.