Influence of cognitive decision making and parental support on delinquency among Mediterranean children

Background:  Many studies have established a number of correlates of delinquent behavior among adolescents, many times emphasizing the role of behavioral determinants such as substance use and aggression.  There is a strong need in the field to understand the cognitive and parental influences on delinquency among pre-adolescents that can help investigators understand the etiology of adolescent delinquency.  This study investigated the concurrent effects of indicators of cognitive decision making and parental support on delinquency among a sample of Mediterranean children.  In addition, we explored the potential moderating effect of parental support between the association of cognitive decision making and delinquency. 

Methods:  The sample consisted of 163 Italian middle school adolescents (53% female), ages 12-14 years (M = 12.24, SD = 0.46). Linear regressions were used to explore the associations of among our variable of interest.  Age and gender were used as control variables in this study.

Results:  Findings indicated that greater indications of parental support were negatively associated with delinquency (β = -.14, p < 0.05). In addition, greater abilities in cognitive decision making were negatively associated with delinquency (β = -.10, p < 0.10). Finally, greater indications of positive thinking were positively associated with delinquency (β = .175, p < 0.01). No moderation effects were present.

Conclusion:  The findings presented could be used to assist in the development of programs working to increase cognitive abilities in hopes of correcting or refocusing delinquent behaviors among adolescents.  Further research is needed to enhance our understanding of the role that cognitive decision making and positive thinking have on delinquent behavior.