Those You Spend Your time with… How Peers, Leisure time, and Parental Supervision Influence Young People’s Engagement in Delinquent Behavior. Findings from the Republic of Moldova

This article compares Dutch rural and non-rural adolescents’ delinquent behavior and examines two social correlates of rural delinquency: communal social control and traditional rural culture. The analyses are based on cross-sectional data, containing 3,797 participants aged 13–18 (48.7% females). The analyses show that rural adolescents are only slightly less likely to engage in delinquent behavior. Furthermore, while rural adolescents are exposed more often to communal social control, this does not substantially reduce the likelihood that they engage in delinquent behavior. Concerning rural culture, marked differences appeared between rural and non-rural adolescents. First, alcohol use and the frequency of visiting pubs were more related to rural adolescents’ engagement in delinquent behavior. Second, the gender gap in delinquency is larger among rural adolescents: whereas rural boys did not differ significantly from non-rural boys, rural girls were significantly less likely to engage in delinquent behavior than non-rural girls. However, the magnitude of the effects of most indicators was rather low. To better account for the variety of rural spaces and cultures, it is recommended that future research into antisocial and criminal behavior of rural adolescents should adopt alternative measurements of rurality, instead of using an indicator of population density only.

Bringing psychopathy into developmental and life-course criminology theories and research

A large proportion of children and youth are growing up in harmful caring environments that can affect their behavioral strategies later in life. Despite the existing of an extensive literature regarding prevalence, characteristics of delinquent and criminal behavior, as well as, individual and environmental risk factors, there are gaps that remains unexplained regarding this problem. There is little evidence about what is known about the relational experiences in children and adolescents and the development of criminal and antisocial behavior. This scoping review was developed to address the matter of criminal and antisocial behavior by analyzing how this is associated with children and adolescent’s relational experiences with primary caregivers. In addition, the review examines recommendations provided in this field regarding intervention strategies to prevent or reduce the prevalence of delinquent behaviors. A total of 528 studies were identified in the databases of ProQuest, Web of Science (Core Collection) and PsychINFO. After applying the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 17 published studies were included in the analysis. The results show the presence of an association between the experience of physical and sexual abuse and the occurrence of criminal and antisocial behavior in children and adolescents. Similar findings relate to experiences of emotional care; sensitivity, warmth and closeness were identified as important protective factors for these behaviors, whereas hostility, rejection and detachment were risk factors for the development of delinquent behaviors. Further, there is a suggested need to enhance parenting skills through program activities and address the internal working model of the child/adolescent through therapy to prevent/reduce the development of criminal and antisocial behavior in these vulnerable populations. The study ends with a discussion of needed research.

SYNOPSISObjective. Parents’ poor monitoring of adolescents’ whereabouts and activities is commonly linked to adolescents’ increased engagement in delinquent behaviors. Yet, different domains of parental monitoring (parental monitoring behaviors versus parental knowledge) and reports from multiple informants (parent versus adolescent) may vary in their links to delinquent behavior. Design. Seventy-four parental caregivers and 74 adolescents completed survey measures of parental monitoring and knowledge, and adolescents completed self-report surveys of delinquent behavior. Results. We observed low-to-moderate magnitudes of correspondence between parent- and adolescent-reports of parental monitoring behaviors and parental knowledge. Adolescent self-reported delinquent behavior related to parent and adolescent reports of parental monitoring behaviors and parental knowledge, with adolescents who self-reported engagement in delinquent behaviors evidencing lower levels of parental knowledge and higher levels of poor monitoring compared to adolescents who did not self-report engagement in delinquent behaviors. Adolescent self-reported engagement in delinquent behaviors evidenced stronger links to parental monitoring when based on adolescent reports of monitoring (relative to parent reports), whereas stronger links held between adolescent self-reported delinquent behavior and parental knowledge when based on parent reports of knowledge (relative to adolescent reports). Conclusions. Links between monitoring and adolescents’ delinquent behavior vary by the kind of monitoring measure completed as well as the informant completing the measure. These findings inform measurement selection in research and clinical assessments of parental monitoring and adolescent delinquent behavior.`

Background: Since the school is a key setting during adolescence, it is crucial to detect deviant social behaviors of individuals in this environment to target corrective measures. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of antisocial and criminal behaviors of secondary school students in the city of Chihuahua, northern Mexico, and to explore associated factors. Methods: Cross-sectional survey with adolescents aged 13-16 years, randomly selected from public and private schools. The Mexican version of the validated antisocial and criminal behaviors questionnaire was applied to 430 students from 41 schools. Proportions and mean scores were computed. Results were stratified by individual and school characteristics. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the probability of reporting at least one criminal behavior. Results: Eating when not allowed (67.5%) and arriving late to school (51.7%) were the most frequent antisocial behaviors, while spending money gambling (17.2%) and damaging objects or property in public spaces (15.5%) were the most frequent criminal behaviors. Men had a higher criminal mean score (1.35 vs. 0.89; p<0.05), and 9th graders had higher mean than 7th and 8th graders for antisocial (7.05 vs. 5.39 and 4.97; p<0.05) and criminal (1.44 vs. 0.98 and 0.94; p<0.05) behaviors. Public schools had a lower antisocial mean than the private (5.52 vs. 6.61; p<0.05). High-income private schools had the highest mean for antisocial behavior (7.44), followed by tele-secondaries (7.06); for criminal behavior, public technical (1.71) and tele-secondaries (2.31) had the highest means. The schools’ lowest academic performance was associated with lower means, especially for criminal behavior. Male sex, higher school grade, low school performance, having failed a year, reporting family problems, and performing specific free-time activities (e.g., hanging out with friends) were associated with a higher adjusted odds ratios of reporting at least one criminal behavior. Conclusion: The most frequent behaviors were quantified, and specific risk groups and factors were identified in order to design and implement preventive programs

This study examines the extent of delinquency and antisocial behavior among adolescent daughters of incarcerated mothers and the influence of the mother-daughter relationship and maternal supervision on daughters' participation in delinquency and antisocial behavior. One hundred and one incarcerated mothers completed survey questionnaires that asked about their daughters' participation and involvement in antisocial and delinquent behavior and the nature of both mother-daughter relationship and maternal supervision. Overall, mothers reported low levels of involvement in antisocial or delinquent behavior for their daughters. Participation in antisocial behavior was inversely related to positive mother-daughter relationship. Maternal supervision was not related to level of participation in antisocial or delinquent behavior.

Delinquency in youth is a significant public health concern for individuals who experienced adversity and complex trauma as children. The present study explored the longitudinal associations between adverse child experiences and future engagement in delinquent behavior. Using a sample of 1,245 foster youth who are aging out of the child welfare system, mediation, moderation, and moderated mediation analysis was used to test the mechanistic role of post-traumatic stress symptoms and the moderating role of sexual identity and positive future expectations on engagement in delinquent behavior. Results showed a positive and significant association between adverse child experiences and engagement in delinquent behavior. Post-traumatic stress symptoms partially mediated the ACEs-delinquency relationship. In addition, sexual minority youth and youth who were less optimistic about the future, but who experienced more ACEs, were at risk for heightened levels of post-traumatic stress. Interventions that promote positive future outlooks may minimize the psychological sequelae of early child adversity and delinquent behavior particularly when tailored to the needs of sexual minority youth.

A number of studies have found a functional variable number tandem repeat polymorphism in the upstream regulatory region of the monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA-uVNTR) interacts with childhood adversity to increase risk for antisocial behavior. Several studies have also reported null findings. Here, we examine the association between MAOA-uVNTR genotype, childhood adversity, and criminal activity in a sample of 99 male volunteers who were incarcerated in a large city jail in the Southern United States. MAOA-uVNTR genotypes were obtained from DNA extracted from buccal swabs. Criminal activity in the year before incarceration and childhood adversity were measured with self-report surveys. Violent arrest rates and property arrest rates were quantified with official records of arrest and accounted for periods of incarceration in local and state correctional facilities. The low expressing allele of the MAOA-uVNTR genotype (MAOAL) interacted with abuse to predict self-reports of less serious criminal and delinquent behavior and had a direct association with serious criminal activity. MAOAL genotype interacted with parental criminality to predict self-reports of serious criminal behavior, property arrest rates, and violent arrest rates. The findings suggest that crime prevention efforts may be improved through attention to the neurodevelopmental consequence of gene-by-environment interactions.

In the literature, antisocial populations, both with antisocial behavior and delinquent behavior are viewed as mutually interacting. The lack of psychosocial competence has been related with antisocial and delinquent behavior. Nevertheless, it has been suggested that antisocial and delinquent behavior is a consequence of different degrees of lack of social competence. In order to test this hypothesis, in a field study, 450 adolescents -150 juvenile offenders, 150 with antisocial non deviant behavior, and 150 from the normal school population- were evaluated in fundamental variables of psychosocial competence. Performed a MANOVA with the population factor (offenders, antisocial, normative), the results revealed a relationship between social incompetence and antisocial and delinquent behavior as well as an exponential increase in both parameters. The findings are discussed in terms of prevention and treatment strategies for antisocial, delinquent and non-deviant behavior in adolescents.

Purpose: The general purpose of the study was to explore the role of family structure and juvenile diplomacy. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to family structure in juvenile diplomacy. Preliminary empirical review revealed that that family structure significantly influences adolescent engagement in delinquent behaviors, with adolescents from single-parent households or non-traditional family arrangements exhibiting higher rates of delinquency. Research highlighted the mediating role of factors such as parental supervision and positive peer relationships, along with cultural variations in this relationship. Qualitative insights underscored the unique challenges faced by adolescents from non-traditional family structures, emphasizing the importance of tailored support. Overall, the findings underscored the need for context-specific interventions and policies to address juvenile delinquency, informed by a comprehensive understanding of family dynamics and socio-cultural factors. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social Learning theory, Strain theory and Social Control theory may be used to anchor future studies on the role of family structure in juvenile delinquency. The study provided recommendations with significant contributions to theory, practice, and policy. It advanced theoretical understanding by highlighting the complex interplay between family dynamics and delinquent behavior, contributing empirical support for existing theoretical models. The study recommended the development of family-centered interventions to strengthen parental supervision and support networks, promote positive peer relationships, and address systemic factors contributing to family stressors. Policy implications included initiatives to support family well-being, invest in evidence-based programs, and integrate findings into broader social policies. Collaboration across sectors was emphasized to implement comprehensive approaches, and the need for continued research to deepen understanding and inform targeted interventions was underscored.

Our knowledge on predictors and courses of antisocial, delinquent, and criminal behavior has improved substantially in the last two decades. This is particularly due to more intensive developmental, prospective, longitudinal research. Respective studies stem from various geographical regions, for example from England (e.g., Farrington & West, 1990; Kolvin, Miller, Fleeting, & Kolvin, 1988); from the USA (e.g., Elliott, Huizinga, & Menard, 1989; Loeber, Stouthamer-Loeber, Van Kammen, & Farrington, 1991; McCord, 1979; Robins, 1978; Wolfgang, Figlio, & Sellin, 1972); from Canada (e.g., Le Blanc & Frechette, 1989; Tremblay, Loeber, Gagnon, Charlebois, Larivee, & Le Blanc, 1991); from Scandinavia (e.g., Magnusson, 1988; Pulkkinen, 1988; Wikstroem, 1987); and from New Zealand (e.g., Moffitt & Silva, 1988). Despite many differences in social contexts, age groups, theoretical concepts, and empirical measures, overall findings provide a fairly consistent picture: Antisocial behavior is one of the most frequent problems in childhood and adolescence, particularly among males. It manifests in many different forms during the life course, and is subject to situational and temporal fluctuations. In its most severe form, it is more predictable than other behavioral and emotional problems. The prevalence of delinquent and criminal behavior increases strongly during adolescence and drops off again during the third decade. A small group of approximately six percent of the population exhibits relatively persistent and severe criminal behavior. The probability of chronic offending increases (a) the more frequently antisocial behavior has been exhibited in the past; (b) the more varied problem behavior is; (c) the greater the number of settings in which it occurs; and (d) the earlier the onset of delinquency and crime (e.g., Blumstein, Cohen, & Farrington, 1988; Loeber, 1982; Wolfgang et al., 1972).

A robust body of research connects both antisocial behaviour and low self-control in childhood to a number of diverse problems in adulthood including antisocial and criminal behaviour, poor employment, mental health problems, and poor health (Caspi, Wright, Moffitt, & Silva, 1998; Champion, Goodall, & Rutter, 1995; Masten et al., 2010; Kosterman et al., 2010; Moffitt, Caspi, Harrington, & Milne, 2002; Moffitt et al., 2011; Wiesner et al., 2003). Although a significant body of research has identified a large number of risk and protective factors related to antisocial and criminal behaviour, we still lack an understanding of the developmental chain and causal mechanisms that lead to antisocial behaviour and related problems (Day, Wanklyn, & Yessine, 2014; Frick, 2012). The current study applied developmental cascade analysis to examine competing theoretical models regarding the mechanisms that connect parenting, self-control, antisocial behaviour, academic success and internalizing problems from ages 8 to 32. Data included 411 boys from the Cambridge Study of Delinquent Development study (CSDD). Results indicated the relationships between parenting, self-control, antisocial behaviour, and academic success are multidirectional. Parenting impacted antisocial behaviour and antisocial behaviour also impacted parenting from childhood into adolescence. Additionally, the study also found antisocial behaviour impacted self-control whereas there was only limited evidence for self-control impacting antisocial behaviour. While prior research has reported robust associations between self-control and antisocial behaviour (e.g., Pratt & Cullen, 2000), little research has tested potential bidirectional relationships. These results have important implications for theories such as the general theory of crime (Gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990). Results examining life success at age 32 reported that the relationship between antisocial behaviour at age 14 and antisocial lifestyle at age 32 varied across two measures of self-control: impulsivity and daring. These results suggest that considering different aspects or dimensions of self-control on antisocial behaviour are important.

Unemployment is one of the greatest economic and social problems in Turkey, as well as it is in many other countries in the world. Unemployment is often explained by macroeconomic factors. However, demographic and individual characteristics also have an effect on the unemployment duration of individuals, in addition to the macroeconomic factors. The present study aims to find the factors that have an effect on the duration of unemployment of individuals in Turkey with count data regression models. Therefore, the present study examined Poisson Regression (PR) and Negative Binomial Regression (NBR) models, which are used in cases that the dependent variable is count data. The study also aims to determine the model with the best fit to the dataset among the estimated models. In the study, the number of months in which individuals were unemployed was modeled, using the data obtained from the Survey of Income and Living Conditions (SILC) micro dataset of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) in 2019. 62713 people aged 15 and over participated in the SILC, of which 5889 reported that they were unemployed for one month or more. A model with the best fit and with the independent variables of marital status, education status, and general health status was determined among the seven models determined by the forward selection method. It has been determined that the model that best fits the dataset among the predicted models is the NBR model according to the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Key Words: Count data, Poisson Regression Model, Negative Binomial Regression Model JEL Classification: C10, C46, D30

Proactive policing, the strategic targeting of people or places to prevent crimes, is a well-studied tactic that is ubiquitous in modern law enforcement. A 2017 National Academies of Sciences report reviewed existing literature, entrenched in deterrence theory, and found evidence that proactive policing strategies can reduce crime. The existing literature, however, does not explore what the short and long-term effects of police contact are for young people who are subjected to high rates of contact with law enforcement as a result of proactive policing. Using four waves of longitudinal survey data from a sample of predominantly black and Latino boys in ninth and tenth grades, we find that adolescent boys who are stopped by police report more frequent engagement in delinquent behavior 6, 12, and 18 months later, independent of prior delinquency, a finding that is consistent with labeling and life course theories. We also find that psychological distress partially mediates this relationship, consistent with the often stated, but rarely measured, mechanism for adolescent criminality hypothesized by general strain theory. These findings advance the scientific understanding of crime and adolescent development while also raising policy questions about the efficacy of routine police stops of black and Latino youth. Police stops predict decrements in adolescents' psychological well-being and may unintentionally increase their engagement in criminal behavior.

Adolescence is a stage of transition from childhood to the adult world, which is affected among other things by the tension between the incorporation into the labor market and permanence in the educational system (D'alessandre, 2010). However, there is little information related to adolescents who do not study or work. Because of the information that antisocial and criminal behavior tends to accentuate at this stage of life (Gaeta & Galvanoski, 2011), this study identifies differences in the presence of antisocial and criminal behavior among students in two public high schools at Pachuca Hidalgo, Mexico, and adolescents who do not study or work in the same city using the AD measure (Seisdedos & Sánchez, 2001). The sample consisted of 120 teenagers between 14 and 18 years of age, with a total of 81 students and 39 adolescents who do not study or work. Through an analysis of variance ANOVA of sex by occupation were found significant differences in the presence of antisocial behaviors between adolescents who study and those who do not. A difference was observed in the presence of criminal behavior also, specifically in the group of male adolescents who did not study. It was observed that those adolescent men and women who are studying, are less likely to commit criminal acts, compared to those adolescent especially men who are not within a school or work system. The role played by the socio-cultural context as a risk factor or protection for the appearance of criminal and antisocial behavior is highlighted.