Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between low self-control, peer delinquency and aggression among adolescents. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Selangor, Malaysia among 413 adolescents. The participants were selected from 12 secondary schools by using Multistage Cluster Sampling Technique. Self-Control Scale (Grasmick, Tittle, Bursik, & Arneklev, 1993), The Peer Delinquency Scale (Loeber, Farrington, Stouthamer-Loeber, & Van Kammen, 1998) and Aggression Questionnaire (Buss & Perry, 1992) were used to examine the relationships between adolescents’ low self-control, peer delinquency, and aggression. Results showed that there were significant positive relationships between low self-control, peer delinquency and aggression among adolescents. The result also indicated that low self-control has an indirect effect on aggression through peer delinquency. Peer delinquency served as a partial mediator. Low self-control and peer delinquency are important factors in the development of aggression among adolescents.
Highlights
Aggression can be defined as any action that intends to harm or injure another living being who intends to avoid such treatment (Shaffer, 2005)
Association with delinquent peers causes adolescents to behave in a negative way such as becoming aggressive (Longshore, Chang, Hsieh, & Messina, 2004). Based on this brief overview, this study examined the relationships between low self-control, peer delinquency and aggression among adolescents
The results revealed that adolescents who participated in the training session reported lower level of aggression compared to the other participants who were not involved in the training
Summary
Aggression can be defined as any action that intends to harm or injure another living being who intends to avoid such treatment (Shaffer, 2005). Aggression among adolescents is seen as a serious social problem in many societies and it has gained the attention of those in the field of mental health, prevention experts, media and school authorities. Most of the aggression cases occur in school setting (Chapman, 2010; Sagayam & Wong, 2010; Veera Pandiyan, 2010). The instances of aggression among adolescents include bullying, spreading rumours, hitting and hurting (Michaud, 2009; Sullivan, Farrell, & Kliewer, 2006; Gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990). Social Welfare Department of Malaysia (2013) reported that the number of crimes involving juveniles has increased 30.8% throughout 2009 to 2013. These figures may indicate that adolescents are becoming more aggressive. Among the crimes committed include possession of weapons, flouting traffic rules, truancy, being involved in criminal activities related to the property of others, gambling, substance abuse, and trespassing prohibited areas
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