Relying on the theory of Osgood et al. of unstructured socializing (US) and using longitudinal data from the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program, this study examines whether US is a dynamic process and how the changes in US may relate to changes in delinquency during adolescence for groups, who demonstrate different levels of involvement and frequency of offending over time. Results from semiparametric group-based models indicate that individuals tend to follow three distinct trajectories of US and four trajectories of delinquency. Furthermore, additional results from multinomial regressions suggest that key covariates can significantly distinguish group membership and that the covariates that distinguish US trajectories distinguish the delinquency trajectories. Finally, the results demonstrate that there is a considerable degree of overlap across trajectory groups. That is, those that follow the high-rate US trajectory also tend to follow the high-rate delinquency trajectory. Study limitations and possible theoretical implications are also discussed.
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