An Exploratory Analysis of Social Distance, Cognitive Distortions, and Delinquency among African American Youth

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

Abstract

African American youth have lived experiences which are often characterized by great social distance between themselves and police officers. While previous studies have suggested a positive correlation between social distance and delinquency, few studies have specifically examined the relationship between social distance, cognitive distortions, and delinquency among African American youth. Recognizing this gap in the research, the present study explores whether cognitive distortions leads to delinquency above the influence of social distance. Findings suggest that cognitive distortions alone marginally account for variances in offending behavior but when paired with social distance, significantly account for variance in delinquency. Implications for policy are also discussed.

Author

• Chenelle A. Jones, Ohio Dominican University