Abstract
Given the robust positive association between gangs and crime, a better understanding of factors related to reported youth gang membership is critical and especially since youth in gangs are a universal concern. The present study investigated the role of delinquency, proactive aggression, psychopathy and behavioral school engagement in reported youth gang membership using a large sample of 1027 Singapore adolescents. Results from logistic regression showed that delinquency, proactive aggression, and behavioral school engagement were statistically significant risk factors for reported youth gang membership, and that psychopathy was not related to reported gang membership. Implications for prevention and intervention work with respect to youth gang membership were discussed. In particular, strengthening students' engagement with school and meaningful school-related activities and developing supportive teacher-student relationships are particularly important in working with young people with respect to prevention work. Additionally, the present study's theoretical and empirical contributions were also discussed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 148-156 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Journal of Adolescence |
| Volume | 41 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 1 2015 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2015 The Foundation for Professionals in Services for Adolescents.
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Social Psychology
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health
Keywords
- Delinquency
- Proactive aggression
- Psychopathy
- School engagement
- Youth gang membership
