Investigating the Cross-lagged Effects of Unstructured Socializing, Peer Delinquency, and Delinquency

• In Event: Peer Influence and Delinquency

Abstract

Research on peer delinquency and unstructured socializing time with peers documents robust associations with individual delinquency. Much less is known about the processes by which unstructured socialization impacts delinquency as well as the potential reciprocal effects with peer delinquency and delinquency. The current study uses cross-lagged panel models and multiple waves of data from the Pathways to Desistance study to examine reciprocal effects of unstructured socializing, peer delinquency, and delinquency, net of control variables. Stability in constructs over time and cross-lagged direct impacts of change are summarized. Implications for theory and delinquency reduction are discussed.

Authors

• Jeffrey T Ward, Temple University

• Megan McConaghy, Temple University

• Juwan Z Bennett, Temple University