NCJ Number
146976
Journal
Journal of Research on Crime and Delinquency Volume: 31 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1994) Pages: 92-123
Date Published
1994
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This study examines the effects of religious variables on several forms of self-reported delinquency while controlling for the influence of various indicators of impulsivity and sensation-seeking, and agents of moral influences and social control.
Abstract
The data were obtained from questionnaires completed by a sample of over 1,400 male and female adolescents and young adults, attending grades 9 through 12 at high schools located in five districts in Oklahoma. The results showed that the effect of religious participation and religious salience on every category of delinquency (theft, vandalism, assault, illicit drug use, and truancy) decreased when arousal and social control factors were added to the analysis. Religiosity variables seemed to affect only alcohol and tobacco use. The results tentatively support charges of spuriousness in the religiosity-delinquency correlation. Males were more significantly involved in assault, theft, and vandalism than females, but not in truancy or substance abuse; this trend is probably attributable to boys' greater attraction to risk- taking behaviors. Social control variables were more useful than arousal indicators in explaining all forms of delinquent involvement, although the findings did demonstrate the usefulness of an arousal or thrill-seeking approach to understanding juvenile delinquency. 6 tables, 1 figure, 10 notes, 87 references, and 2 appendixes