De invloed van vrienden op het delinquente gedrag van adolescenten. Maakt geslacht verschil?

Abstract

Looking at possible influences of friends on adolescent delinquent behaviour is important as this behaviour is growing amongst adolescents. (Possible) gender differences and the influence of adolescents friends are the main focus of this study. 145 adolescents participated through questionnaires. Based on the differential association theory, the hypothesis was stated that spending more time with delinquent friends and having more delinquent friends results in more delinquency. A linear regression analyses was used in answering this question. Results indicate that boys show more delinquent behaviour, have more delinquent friends and spent more time with these friends then girls. Adolescents who maintain relationship with much delinquent friends have a higher potential of becoming delinquent themselves. This applies to boys more then to girls. All in all, these findings support the differential association theory.