Dropout and Delinquency: Mexican-American and Caucasian Non- Hispanic Youth

• NCJ Number: 156355
• Journal: Journal of Clinical Child Psychology Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1994) Pages: 47-55
• Author(s): E L Chavez; E R Oetting; R C Swaim
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 9 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined delinquent behavior among Mexican American (MA) and Caucasian non-Hispanic (CnH) dropouts, students with academic problems, and control students.

Abstract

A total of 1,637 subjects were surveyed. The complete survey included self-report questions on substance use and a wide range of psychosocial characteristics. The study addressed delinquent behavior and included 46 items that ranged from driving violations to use of weapons. Response categories were "none," 1 to 2 times, 3 to 9 times, and 10 or more times. Findings show that dropouts and students with poor grades were much more likely to engage in delinquent behaviors. The highest rates of delinquency were reported by males. Mexican-American youths in any of the academic status groups were slightly less likely to engage in delinquent behaviors compared to CnH youth, but overall rates of delinquency for MA youth may be higher due to their higher dropout rate. It was also found that peers of dropouts and academic problem students were more likely to engage in delinquent behaviors than peers of control students. 6 tables and 26 references