The Impact of Social Learning and Social Bonds on Juvenile Delinquency: An Empirical Study of Secondary School Students in Saint Lucia

Abstract

ABSTRACT There is a dearth of information regarding the phenomenon of juvenile delinquency among adolescents in Saint Lucia. Using 268 secondary school students as a sample, the researcher investigated the criminogenic risk factors for juvenile delinquent behavior among adolescents from Saint Lucia. The adolescent patterns of delinquent behavior (violent and nonviolent delinquency) were analyzed in conjunction with conventional criminological theories (i.e. social learning and social bonds). The results showed that there was markedly higher delinquency among male adolescents in comparison to female adolescents. In addition, multiple regression and structural equation modeling demonstrate that the social learning and social bond variables analyzed in this study were found to be significantly correlated with violent and nonviolent delinquency. The findings offer implications for addressing the risk factors associated with criminogenic behavior in adolescents and preventing them from engaging in violent or nonviolent delinquent behavior.