Delinquency, substance abuse, and risk taking in middle‐class adolescents

Abstract

AbstractRisk‐taking attitudes are strong predictors of delinquency and substance abuse among male and female middle‐class adolescents. Risk‐taking measures make strong and independent contributions to predicting self‐reported delinquency and drug and alcohol use, even taking into account bonding to family and school and attitudes toward one's religious faith and employment. A measure of involvement with a delinquent peer group also predicts delinquency and drug and alcohol use. Moreover, those adolescents who are more likely to be involved in delinquent activity, or to be heavier users of substances, are less likely to turn to parents or formal helpers (e.g., counselors, teachers, etc.), and more likely to turn to peers for help. Delinquency and substance abuse prevention programs should take into account adolescent risk taking and should affect peer group norms if they are to be effective.