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7 Youth Violence & Juv. Just. 3 (2009)

handle is hein.journals/yvja7 and id is 1 raw text is: \olwiw~ 7 \Nber 1 Jnuary 'tI1) 3-15 An Examination of Differential ( 2009 A Picaions 10,.1 1 --,11541 '040080'4010 Association and Social h osyvg at Control Theory Family Systems and Delinquency Wesley T. Church II Tracy Wharton Julie K. Taylor School of Social Work, University of Alabama This study applies differential association and social control theories to juvenile delinquency. Using a path analysis model, relationships between family, self-image, and behavior are explored. Analyses suggest that positive self-image leads to decreased delinquency, and association with delinquent peers is the greatest predictor of delinquent behavior, regardless of race. Keywords: juvenile delinquency; family cohesion; family dynamics; differential association theory; social control theory T he juvenile delinquency literature has identified a number of variables causally linked to delinquent behavior. The nature of a youth's peer relationships, social and family environments, and self-image have been cited as factors associated with deviant behavior in juveniles although few models have been developed to explore the strength of these asso- ciations. Previous studies provide evidence that deviant behavior in adolescence, particu- larly early adolescence, leads to increased likelihood of adult criminal offenses (Haynie, 2001; Patterson, DeBaryshe, & Ramsey, 1989). A close examination of factors affecting juvenile delinquency may provide some insight into potential points for successful inter- vention. In this study, we used differential association and social control theories to guide our examination of potential associations between family stressors, family cohesion, family relationships, self-image, behavior, and delinquent behavior. Patterson and colleagues (1989) suggest that family strain in early life prepares juveniles to enter deviant peer groups, and these peer groups are the major training ground (p. 331) for antisocial behaviors and substance use. Their research indicates that strong family cohesion could protect children from the influence of deviant peers, particularly as children transition through school grades and begin to form their self-image in relation to their peers. Gove and Crutchfield (1982) suggest that there is strong evidence that the family plays a critical role in juvenile delinquency (p. 302) and state that this is the single most replicated finding in the Author's Note: Please correspondence to Wesley T. Church II, School of Social Work, The University of Alabama, Box 870314, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487; e-mail: wchurch@sw.ua.edu. 3

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