The effect of negative experiences on delinquent behavior of youth in a social withdrawal situation
Author(s)
Date Issued
2016
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal
Journal of Adolesence
Volume
50
Start page
69
End page
80
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between negative experiences, negative emotions, and delinquent behavior among young people in a social withdrawal situation. There were 533 participants in this study and various quantitative analyses were utilized. Results showed that participants with a longer period of social withdrawal were generally less affected by negative experiences, while those with a higher level of social withdrawal were more affected by negative experiences, particularly negative relationships with other people. Also, both negative emotions and higher level of social withdrawal mediated the relationship between negative experiences and involvement in delinquent behavior, with negative emotions displaying a higher mediating effect. This reflects that the root of delinquent behavior is the negative experiences which arouse negative emotions, rather than the social withdrawal behavior itself. Results imply that practitioners should first explore the negative experiences suffered by these young people, so as to provide them the most appropriate support.
SFU Affiliated Publication
Yes
Availability at SFU Library
No database links found.

