The mediating effect of delinquent friendship networks on the relationship between self-esteem and delinquent behaviors in adolescence

This study examined the mediating effects of delinquent friendship networks on the relationship between self-esteem and delinquency in young adolescents using the data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. This research expanded on previous research conducted by DuBois and Silverthorn (2004) by incorporating a comprehensive measure of friendship network delinquency. Principles of Social Learning Theory were also incorporated to explain why it is important to include a peer context in delinquency research. Additionally, this study included race and gender as moderator variables. Findings indicated that delinquent peer associations were significantly related to respondent delinquency in the White, male, and female participants. This relationship was not significant for African American participants suggesting an area for future research.