The Perpetuation of Antisocial Behaviours in Cape Verdean Youth: A Predictive Study

• In Event: Roundtable: Juvenile Delinquency

Abstract

Since the late 90’s, Cape Verde has seen a steady increase in antisocial behavior committed by young people. However, little is known about the factors related to the maintenance of such behaviors. In this study we sought to identify factors that predict the perpetration of antisocial behavior in Cape Verde in a sample of 535 students of both genders attending public schools, using data from the International Self-Report Delinquency-3 (ISRD-3), already adapted and validated. The results show that young males legitimized less antisocial attitudes and were more likely to commit antisocial behaviors. Likewise, although the results were only significantly marginal, the perpetrators showed a greater likelihood of engaging in disruptive activities during their leisure times. These results are analyzed in terms of their implications for the prevention of delinquency in Cape Verde.

Author

• Jose Jorge Dias, Cape Verde of University