1991/02/01 by ROBERT AGNEW, Robert Agnew · 381 citations
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Association (psychology) #Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression #Crime Patterns and Interventions #Crime, Illicit Activities, and Governance #Criminology #Developmental psychology #Juvenile delinquency #Peer group #Peer influence #Psychology #Social psychology
paper · doi:10.1111/j.1745-9125.1991.tb01058.x
published in Criminology 29(1), 47-72 (Wiley)
openalex publication_date 1991/02/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25
Drawing on relevant theory and research, it is argued that the impact of delinquent peers on delinquency is conditioned by (1) attachment to peers, (2) time spent with peers, and (3) the extent to which peers present delinquent patterns (i.e., present definitions favorable to delinquency, model delinquent behavior, and differentially rein force delinquency). Regression analyses with data from the National Youth Survey provide partial support for these arguments. When the above variables are at their mean or lower levels, a measure of association with peers who engage in serious delinquency has no impact or a negative impact on delinquency. When the above variables are at higher levels, delinquent peers (serious) has a strong, positive impact on delinquency. A measure of association with peers who engage in minor delinquency, however, is not conditioned by the above variables.