Abstract
The delinquent behavior of early adolescents in Hong Kong was examined. A sample of adolescents (N = 3,328 students at Wave 1) responded to a validated measure of delinquency on three occasions in their junior secondary school years. Prevalence findings showed that delinquent behavior was not prevalent, except in the areas of cheating, speaking foul language, damaging others’ properties, and engaging in assault. Regarding demographic correlates of delinquent behavior, it increased across time and adolescent boys showed more delinquent behavior than did adolescent girls. While economic disadvantage did not predict delinquent behavior, family intactness was associated with delinquent behavior across three waves concurrently. Generally speaking, higher levels of positive youth development and family functioning predicted lower delinquency in the junior secondary school years.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong: Family Life, Psychological Well-Being and Risk Behavior |
| Editors | Daniel T.L. SHEK, Rachel C. F. SUN, Cecilia M.S. MA |
| Publisher | Springer |
| Pages | 111-131 |
| Number of pages | 21 |
| Edition | 1 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9789811011979 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9789812871428 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2014 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Publication series
| Name | Quality of Life in Asia |
|---|---|
| Volume | 5 |
| ISSN (Print) | 2211-0550 |
| ISSN (Electronic) | 2211-0569 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Singapore.
Funding
The preparation for this work and the Project P.A.T.H.S. were financially supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.
Keywords
- Chinese
- Chinese adolescents
- Delinquency
- Family functioning
- Positive youth development