A test of three competing theoretical models of delinquency using structural equation modeling

This study of 837 adolescents from five public high schools is designed to examine three competing theoretical models of crime using structural equation modeling. The models are based on general theory, social relations theories, and an age-graded integration of these theories. These theoretical models are the preeminent explanations of youthful crime. Gender differences in theoretical models are examined. Clearly, the best-fit model for males and for females is the age-graded integrative model. Caregiver attachment is the strongest predictor of crime among females, whereas this factor is not relevant for males. Religiosity and social support also are more important for females than for males. Among males, the primary predictors are peer association, low self-control, care-giver monitoring, isolation, self-identity, and social deficits. Implications of the findings are discussed in relation to theory and gender. (C) 2002 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.