| It has been widely recognized that delinquent behavior among adolescents is a prevalent and persistent problem with significant economic and social costs. Based on the theoretical perspectives provided by social control theory, differential association theory, and strain theory, this study constructed a leisure-related multivariate model for adolescent delinquency by examining variables indicative of family functioning, school performance, peer involvement, leisure participation, and leisure boredom. By adding leisure variables into the LISREL model, this study aims to establish the linkage between fields of criminology and leisure studies and provides empirical evidence for the significance of leisure context in understanding adolescent delinquency;A stratified random sample of 818 high school students from Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. participated in this study. The results of the model testing indicated that delinquent peer involvement and the three dimensions of leisure participation, (i.e., unstructured social activities, sport-oriented activities, and outdoor activities) had significant direct effects on adolescent delinquency involvement. In addition, family cohesion, family control, and the three dimensions of leisure participation had significant indirect effects on delinquency, through the mediation of peer involvement. Overall, the LISREL model explained 24% of variance in delinquency.;This model empirically supported social control theory and differential association theory. Strain theory was not supported due to the inefficacy of school performance and leisure boredom. The regression model containing demographic variables suggested that gender and school type were significant predictors for adolescent delinquency.;Research findings indicated family, peer, and leisure contexts were essential for explaining adolescent delinquency. A multidimensional preventive framework incorporating these major contexts of adolescents' daily life was proposed by this study. Future research should examine different dimensions of leisure in order to fully explore the relationship between leisure and delinquency. |
