Unstructured Socializing and Deviance: A Longitudinal Approach

• In Event: Promoting Safety in Online and Offline Spaces: The Importance of Activity and Structural Features

Abstract

Researchers have found a relationship between spending time engaged in unsupervised activities with peers and adolescent delinquency. However, much of this research is cross-sectional and fails to reflect the rapidly changing adolescent landscape. In this study we utilize the Rochester Youth Development Study that asked questions consistent with unstructured socializing twice each year for four years. The nature of this data provides us the unique opportunity to study change over time and present a causal direction. We frame our study in a routine activities perspective and draw implications regarding the importance of structured activities as various ages during adolescence.

Authors

• Amy L. Anderson, University of Nebraska Omaha

• Megan Kurlychek, Florida State University