NCJ Number
165771
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 48 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1997) Pages: 23-34
Date Published
1997
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper reports on a longitudinal survey that was designed to test four hypothesized mediating links within the School Failure Rationale that connects juvenile delinquency to learning disabilities and to apply the School Failure Rationale to a group of low socioeconomic status, Mexican-American juveniles (n=75).
Abstract
A path analysis was conducted to determine any link between juvenile delinquency and the mediating variables of self-esteem, peer delinquency, school dissatisfaction, and locus of control. Data were collected by means of a self-report questionnaire survey. The survey consisted of a Substance Use Inventory and several other scales that measured psychosocial and environmental characteristics of the students, including demographic, environmental, and psychological domains. Students were asked to indicate whether they had used any minor substances or major substances in the last year, and whether they had engaged in any status offenses or violated social or school rules. A high score on this index indicated a high level of "delinquency." The findings show that all of the mediating variables except self- esteem played either a direct or indirect role in self-reported delinquency in year one or in year three of this study. Based on these findings, it is reasonable to develop certain interventions to preclude some students from involvement in delinquency. Various research findings suggest that a multidimensional and dynamic approach is needed to prevent and intervene in delinquency for this population. 3 tables, 3 figures, and 56 references