Developmental Trajectories of Delinquent Group Membership and Facilitation of Alcohol Use

• In Event: Developmental Perspectives on the Relationship Between Substance Use and Offending

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to trace how juveniles’ delinquent behavior, especially “alcohol use,” change with age and how it can be classified into the various developmental trajectories of delinquent groups. Developmental theorists have attempted to examine and clarify the typical path or trajectory of offences over a lifetime (Gottfredson and Hirschi 1990; Sampson and Laub 1993; Thornberry 1987; Moffitt 1993). However, previous studies have mostly examined causes of juvenile delinquency based on cross-sectional data. The developmental processes of the juvenile should be considered from the perspective of Developmental and Life-Course Criminology, since delinquent behavior can be evolved over age. Based on these considerations, this study applies the Group-based Model to the Korea Youth Panel Survey data (KYPS) and the National Youth Survey (NYS) in order to compare types of developmental trajectory and factors affecting the formation of a chronic delinquent group that repeatedly commit delinquent acts in the United State and South Korea. Policy and research implications will be discussed based on the findings.

Authors

• Selye Lee, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

• Hyeonjung Kim, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale