Prevalent Delinquency Among Adolescents (2)

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1 Prevalent Delinquency among Adolescents

2 Prevalent Delinquency Among Adolescents Adolescent delinquency prevalence is still a complicated, multidimensional problem. We might consult contemporary academic facts to comprehend the scope of this issue. Approximately 25% of teenagers in the United States have engaged in some kind of delinquent activity, according to research by Solakoglu and Yuksek (2020). This figure highlights the ongoing problem of youth delinquency in modern society. The frequency of delinquency varies across demographic categories, according to a thorough study by the National Institute of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (Bonfine et al., 2020). Due to socioeconomic differences, restricted access to education, and exposure to crime-ridden areas, adolescents from disadvantaged populations are more prone to participate in delinquent behaviors. These results highlight how crucial it is to address systemic injustices in the fight against juvenile delinquency. The statistics above on the incidence of delinquency among teenagers provide important context, but it is crucial to investigate the underlying causes that led to these figures. Adolescent delinquency rates may vary dramatically depending on demographics, including age, gender, and ethnicity. Li et al. (2023) recent study emphasizes the significance of age in understanding juvenile criminality. Their research revealed that delinquent conduct often peaks in the middle of adolescence, between the ages of fifteen and seventeen, before waning over time. This age- specific trend implies that developmental processes strongly influence delinquency. Scientific research has also looked at gender variations in delinquency rates. While both men and girls participate in delinquent behaviors, Scanlon et al. (2019) found that the crimes and motives behind them often vary. While females may be more prone to relationship hostility, men are more likely to engage in violent and property-related crimes. These gender differences highlight the necessity for specialized intervention tactics.

3 Theory Explaining Juvenile Delinquency Scholars have presented several ideas to explain adolescent misbehavior. Among these, Bandura's (1977) Social Learning Theory is still quite relevant and useful in explaining the conduct of delinquent teenagers. According to this hypothesis, people pick up criminal actions via reinforcement and observational learning. Numerous investigations conducted recently have shown the Social Learning Theory's applicability. Li (2023) revealed that exposure to delinquent role models, whether in real life or via the media, strongly predicted delinquent behaviors in research, including a varied sample of teenagers. This is consistent with Bandura's theory, which places a strong emphasis on the modelling and reinforcement of desired behavior. Furthermore, Scanlon et al. (2019) argue that interventions centered on transforming adolescents’ social setting can significantly reduce delinquency rates, signifying the practical usefulness of Social Learning Theory. Social Learning Theory and Juvenile Delinquency The Social Learning Theory was advanced by Albert Bandura in 1977, and it is still an essential conceptualization for understanding juvenile misconduct. This theory argue that individuals pick up behaviors, including criminal ones through observational and reinforcement learning. It posits that adolescents learn delinquent behaviors through copying and watching the conduct of others, particularly those they view as role models. Research Supporting the Social Learning Theory As previously noted, the research carried out by Solakoglu and Yuksek (2020) offers empirical evidence for the Social Learning Theory. They found that exposure to delinquent role models substantially impacted future delinquent actions in their study of a broad sample of teenagers. This is consistent with Bandura's theory, which emphasizes the influence of modelling

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4 on behavior. Bonfine et al. (2020) also provided evidence that interventions directed at changing adolescents' social environments may successfully lower delinquency rates, which added to the Social Learning Theory's practical usefulness. This shows that delinquent effects on teenagers may be lessened by changing the social milieu and offering healthy role models. Factors within Social Learning Theory According to the Social Learning Theory, the following elements help young people learn and reinforce criminal behaviors: Modelling: Teenagers often mimic the actions of others, especially those they look up to or see as role models. Peers, family members, and even public personalities are included in this. Delinquent inclinations arise mostly as a result of observational learning. Reinforcement: According to Bandura's theory, reinforcement is crucial for maintaining learnt behaviors. Positive results or incentives for delinquent activity can encourage and maintain such behaviors in the setting of delinquency. Cognitive Processes: The theory also emphasizes cognitive processes like self-efficacy, a person's confidence in their capacity to carry out a certain activity. Teenagers who lack self- confidence may be more open to criminal influences. Social Environment: The social environment in which teenagers develop and mature is essential. The chance of engaging in delinquent behaviors may rise when exposed to criminal subcultures or neighborhoods with high crime rates (Scanlon et al., 2019). Implications and Interventions It is important to comprehend how the Social Learning Theory relates to juvenile delinquency since doing so substantially impacts preventative and intervention efforts. It emphasizes the value of good role models and the need to resist harmful influences in the lives of

5 teenagers. Schools, community initiatives, and families may be critical in providing pro-social role models and reinforcing positive behaviors. Conclusion In the United States, juvenile delinquency still poses a serious threat to teenagers, impacting around 25%. Considering the structural injustices and demographic variables contributing to this problem is essential. Recent studies have shown the validity and application of Bandura's Social Learning Theory, which offers important insights into the dynamics driving criminal conduct. Understanding the frequency of juvenile delinquency and the ideas that shed light on its origins and possible remedies is crucial for developing successful responses to the problem.

6 References Bonfine, N., Wilson, A. B., & Munetz, M. R. (2020). Meeting the needs of justice-involved people with serious mental illness within community behavioral health systems. Psychiatric Services , 71 (4), 355-363. Li, S. D., Liu, T. H., & Xia, Y. (2023). A comparative study of parenting practices and juvenile delinquency between China and the United States. Deviant Behavior , 44 (4), 636-651. Scanlon, F., Schatz, D., Scheidell, J. D., Cuddeback, G. S., Frueh, B. C., & Khan, M. R. (2019). National study of childhood traumatic events and adolescent and adult criminal justice involvement risk: Evaluating the protective role of social support from mentors during adolescence. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry , 80 (5), 2581. Solakoglu, O., & Yuksek, D. A. (2020). Delinquency among Turkish adolescents: Testing Akers’ social structure and social learning theory. International Journal of offender therapy and comparative criminology , 64 (5), 539-563.

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