Psychosocial factors associated with cross-border deviance of Hong Kong marginal youths

Abstract

Five hundred marginal adolescents in Hong Kong were individually interviewed to determine factors associated with their cross-border deviance. Results showed that 52% of the participants used illicit drugs and 14% engaged in commercial sex when they traveled across the border to Shenzhen. Lower cost was cited as the major pull factor. Psychosocial factors related to these cross-border deviances included: need for excitement, susceptibility to peer pressure, association with drug-using peers, educational disadvantage, trouble with the law, and presence of deviant behaviors in Hong Kong. Participants also indicated that engagement in cross-border deviance did not decrease similar deviant behaviors in Hong Kong.