Affinity, Affiliation, and Guilt: Examining Between- and Within-Person Variability in Delinquent Peer Influence

Abstract

A longstanding debate in criminology concerns whether peers influence delinquency or if they are of no significance because criminal propensity develops independent of associations. Matza (1969) criticized these competing perspectives, suggesting instead that the peer–delinquency relationship is nuanced, such that there is both between- and within-person variability in the influence of friends. Drawing on his choice-based perspective, we hypothesize that peers have a stronger influence on the delinquent tendencies of individuals low in criminal propensity. Further, we predict that the influence of peers varies within-individuals across crime types, such that delinquent friends are less influential for behaviors that individuals anticipate more guilt. Using data from the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) evaluation, we find support for these hypotheses. Perceived peer delinquency is a stronger predictor of offending for those lower in criminal propensity. Further, individuals are less susceptible to delinquent peers for acts in which they anticipate higher levels of guilt.