Is the Influence of Unsupervised Time with Peers on Delinquency Conditioned by the Deviance of One's Peers?

Abstract

Drawing on applications of opportunity theory to juvenile delinquency, this study examines the relationship between time expenditure and delinquency. This research relies on self-report data from the Maryland After School Opportunity Fund Program (MASOFP) with a sample of 817 adolescents. The conclusions of this study are: (1) Supervised time without peers is not conducive to delinquency, while supervised time with peers is conducive to delinquency. (2) Unsupervised time with and without peers is conducive to delinquency. (3) Unsupervised time with peers is most conducive to delinquency. (4) The relationship between unsupervised time with peers and each category of delinquency (property, violent, and substance use) is similar. (5) The relationship between unsupervised time with peers and each violent delinquency offense is similar. (6) The relationship between unsupervised time with peers and delinquency is not conditioned by the deviance of one's peers.