Citation

Vaske J, Gehring K. Fem. Criminol. 2010; 5(1): 8-28.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1557085109345468

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The current study examines whether the mechanisms underlying the relationship between depression and delinquency vary between male and female adolescents. Four potential mechanisms are considered in the analyses: weakened internal controls, weakened social controls, peer rejection, and substance use. The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth—Child and Young Adult data reveal that depression increases the odds of peer rejection for males, which subsequently increases males’ involvement in delinquency. Results suggest that substance abuse mediates the relationship between depression and delinquency for female adolescents.Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.