The Etiology of Intelligence on Juvenile Delinquency using a Multivariate Analysis Approach

• In Event: Less Often Studied for Delinquency: Intelligence, Differential Disadvantage, Social Distance, and Conformists

Abstract

Discoveries arising from empirical research consistently indicate an association between intelligence and delinquency. In addition to the empirical discoveries, scholars continue to deliberate the exact processes by which IQ should have an effect on delinquent behavior. Furthermore, results from the literature have shown that juveniles of comparatively lower intelligence are more likely to participate in various forms of delinquency than those of higher intelligence. As such, the present study will investigate the effect of IQ as well as those of parental bond/attachment, strain, and trait on the delinquency. Secondary data drawn from the Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 79 (NLSY79) will be explored. This study will employ a cross-sectional method using a wave of the survey in 2012. A multiple regression analysis will be used to predict if the main independent variable, IQ, is more important than the control variables such as age, gender, race, SES, parental attachment, and anxiety in affecting juvenile delinquency. This study is important because it further extends our knowledge of the biological theory. There is a continued need for research that will enable us to identify better factors predictive of delinquency to develop more effective prevention strategies.

Authors

• Tammy Nickell, University of Central Missouri

• Yeok-il Cho, University of Central Missouri