Pursuing the recent resurgence of research interest in labeling theory, this study addressed an important but relatively neglected issue—the informal labeling process and delinquency—with data collected in the National Youth Survey. A testable model was developed by clarifying and specifying some conceptual issues regarding the informal labeling process. Consistent with labeling theory, the results of the data analysis based on this model indicated the significant role of informal reactions in accounting for youths' subsequent life and behavioral adjustments. However, in some important dimensions, the role was not uniform across different types of significant others and across gender. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
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