Delinquency,Bread,and Books

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive validity of the HEW National Strategy for Youth Developments behavioral model Impact Scales in predicting delinquency. Human relationship variables rather than perceived educational and occupational access variables were the most potent predictors of Self-Reported Delinquency (SRD) and accounted for 48% of SRD variance. A multiple regression analysis of 11 variables measuring social alienation, perceived negative labeling, perceived lack of access to educational and occupational roles, self-esteem, and peer group pressure towards delinquency, on SRD, showed Normative Peer Group Pressure, Parental Rejection, Negative Labeling by Teachers, Normlessness, and Self-Esteem (negative), in that order, to be the most predictive variables. The notable lack of SRD prediction via perceived educational and occupational access variables suggests that pouring money into educational and occupational programs may not be expected to significantly diminish delinquency levels. Other results do suggest, however, that such programs may be expected to bolster the self-esteem of youth and that self-esteem is only somewhat related to SRD. Nevertheless, in combating juvenile delinquency, bread and books may not be enough.