Citation
Chen, Xiaojin (2010). Desire for autonomy and adolescent delinquency: A latent growth curve analysis.
Criminal Justice and Behavior. vol. 37 (9) pp. 989-1004
Abstract
Leading criminological theories, including Moffitt’s adolescence-limited delinquency theory and Agnew’s general strain theory, identify adolescents’ need for autonomy as a key factor in shaping the trajectories of delinquency. Few empirical studies, however, approach it from a life course perspective. Applying latent growth curve modeling, this study uses a national longitudinal data set, Add Health, to demonstrate that there is a significant association between delinquency and the desire for autonomy. Prior cross-sectional studies, however, overestimate this linkage. In addition, the association between desire for autonomy and delinquency is offense specific, suggesting that criminology theories and future research need to consider adolescents’ developmental stages and their social environments. Finally, adolescents’ expression of negative emotions partially explains the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationship between the need for autonomy and delinquency.
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0093854810367481Keyword(s)
Crime & delinquency
Reference Type
Journal Article
Journal Title
Criminal Justice and Behavior
Author(s)
Chen, Xiaojin
Year Published
2010
Volume Number
37
Issue Number
9
Pages
989-1004
DOI
10.1177/0093854810367481
Reference ID
1237
