Criminal sentiments and behaviours among young people in Hong Kong

Abstract

Criminal attitudes have been found to influence criminal behaviour. Yet this is an understudied area in Hong Kong despite the scholarly interests in youth delinquency. In this study, we tested the relationship between criminal sentiments and social factors and illegal conduct among 942 Chinese youths (aged 14–18) in Hong Kong using the Criminal Sentiments Scale-Modified (CSS-M). The results were mixed. While all the underlying factors of the CSS-M were found to be significant, only negative attitudes towards the Law–Court–Police and Identifications with Criminal Others had a positive relationship. Contrary to expectations, Tolerance for Law Violations had a negative correlation. Moreover, both social factors and criminal attitudes were found to be significant in influencing youths' criminal behaviour. The results are discussed in the Hong Kong Chinese context.