Examining interpersonal relationship predictors of delinquency across ethnic and racial samples

Abstract

This study examined the associations between self-reported delinquency and elements of control theory. The subjects used for this study were adolescent males participating in an intervention program for youth at risk for alcohol and drug use. This study included quantitative measures of adolescents' self-reports and referring agencies' reports, which were administered during intake interviews. A regression analysis was used to determine whether elements of control theory predict self-reported delinquency. The measure was also utilized to explore whether the predictors are consistent across ethnic and racial sub-groups. The results support other empirical studies that suggest there is a statistically positive relationship between interpersonal relationships and delinquency. © 2005 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.