Testing the Agnew's General Theory of Crime and Delinquency on Deviant Behaviors Among Albanian Youth

• In Event: Global Perspectives on Deviance, Marginalization, and Transformation

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency is a concerning issue in society, as it can have negative impacts on individuals, families, the education system, and the broader community. Understanding the etiology of such behavior is crucial for developing effective strategies to reduce its prevalence. One theoretical framework that may aid in understanding youth deviance is Agnew’s General Theory of Crime. As an age-graded theory, it emphasizes the central life domains of individuals and their influence on deviant behavior. This research aimed to assess the predictive utility of Agnew’s theory in explaining youth deviance. Based on a sample of 1,300 juveniles from Albania, the findings indicate that key theoretical constructs related to Agnew’s life domains effectively predict juvenile delinquency. Consistent with the theory, the results showed significant relationships between general deviance and factors related to the self, family, peers, school, and community. The study discusses specific findings, theoretical implications, and limitations.

Authors

• Julinda Cilingiri, University Aleksander Moisiu of Durres, Albania

• Christopher Donner, Loyola University Chicago

• Myunghoon Roh, Salve Regina University

• HeeRak Park, John Jay College of Criminal Justice