Social Control, Law, Crime, and Deviance Commons^™

Nonsocial Versus Social Reinforcers Contrasting Theoretical Perspectives On Repetitive Serious Delinquency And Drug Use, David May, Jennifer Stevens, Nancy Rice, G. Jarjoura

David May

A wide variety of theoretical perspectives demonstrate an association with delinquency. Recently, a number of researchers have sought to integrate these theories into developmental models by which they explain different types of delinquency at different phases in the life-course. Using data from approximately 800 delinquents incarcerated in a Midwestern state, the authors continue those efforts by examining the association between delinquency and both nonsocial and social reinforcers over time. Their findings suggest that youth may begin their involvement in delinquency in pursuit of intrinsic gratification but continue that involvement because of the external gratification they receive from their peers. Implications …