Social factors in adolescent deviant behaviour in Hong Kong: An integrated theoretical approach

Abstract

This study examines various social correlates of adolescent deviant behaviour in Hong Kong. An integrated theoretical model is constructed which incorporates variables derived from major theories of juvenile delinquency: namely, differential association theory, control theory, strain theory, and labelling theory. Data were collected through a self-report questionnaire administered to a sample of 1,139 students from ten randomly selected secondary schools during early 1986. Path analysis is performed so that the direct, indirect, and total effects of each of the variables can be estimated and compared with those of other variables. Findings suggest that differential association theory can make the greatest contributions in explaining adolescent deviant behaviour in Hong Kong, followed by control theory and labelling theory. Strain theory did not receive any support from the data. Theoretical implications of the results are discussed.