NCJ Number
146880
Date Published
1991
Length
117 pages
Annotation
This study compared gang delinquents with nongang delinquents on dimensions of family and peer relations that have been associated with delinquency and gang membership.
Abstract
A correlation has been shown in the literature between factors in the family such as parental supervision and discipline, family adaptability and cohesion and juvenile delinquency. Peer influences have also been very important predictors of delinquent behavior. Although gang activity is an extreme form of delinquency, studies had not examined whether there are characteristics in family and peer relations of gang members that are unique. In this study, family and social relations of gang members were compared to those of nongang member delinquents. Ethnicity (Hispanic versus white, non-Hispanic), demographic variables and social status were also considered. The study focused on 131 incarcerated male offenders between the ages of 13 and 18. It was hypothesized that delinquent gang members would have more extreme scores on the family variables that are positively correlated with delinquency. It was also expected that gang members would exhibit stronger emotional bonds to their peers although those relationships would involve more aggressive behavior. The survey instruments that were used to measure family relations were the Children's Report of Parental Behavior Inventory and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales. The Missouri Peer Relations Inventory was used to evaluate relationships with peers. Delinquency was measured with a self-report survey developed for the National Youth Survey. The only hypothesis that was supported by the study was the fact that peer relationships among gang members are characterized by more aggression. The findings, implications and suggestions for further study are discussed. 12 tables, 12 appendixes, references