Nonsocial Versus Social Reinforcers: Contrasting Theoretical Perspectives on Repetitive Serious Delinquency and Drug Use.

Stevens, Jennifer; May, David; Rice, Nancy; Jarjoura, G. Roger

A wide variety of theoretical perspectives demonstrate an association with delinquency. Recently, a number of researchers have sought to integrate these theories into developmental models by which they explain different types of delinquency at different phases in the life-course. Using data from approximately 800 delinquents incarcerated in a Midwestern state, the authors continue those efforts by examining the association between delinquency and both nonsocial and social reinforcers over time. Their findings suggest that youth may begin their involvement in delinquency in pursuit of intrinsic gratification but continue that involvement because of the external gratification they receive from their peers. Implications for future research are also discussed.

MIDWEST (U.S.); ADOLESCENCE; AROUSAL (Physiology); ATTITUDE (Psychology); STATISTICAL correlation; JUVENILE delinquency; PRISONERS; NEUROPSYCHOLOGY; QUESTIONNAIRES; RECIDIVISTS; REINFORCEMENT (Psychology); RISK perception; RISK-taking behavior; SCALES (Weighing instruments); AFFINITY groups; SOCIAL learning theory; DRUG abusers

Youth Violence & Juvenile Justice, 2011, Vol 9, Issue 4, p295

1541-2040

Academic Journal

10.1177/1541204011409764