The Predictive Effects of Self-Esteem, Moral Self, and Moral Reasoning on Delinquent Behaviors of Hong Kong Young People
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.12Keywords:
Moral reasoning, moral self, delinquencyAbstract
While external factors such as family and peers were widely known to be predictive of juvenile delinquency, mixed results were reported regarding the effects of internal (personal) variables such as self-concept and moral reasoning maturity. The present study was to delineate the effects of two variables relating to the self (self-esteem, moral self) and the moral reasoning maturity in predicting delinquency. A sample of 266 young people aged between 17 and 21 were invited to complete a questionnaire composed of global self-concept (self-esteem) scale, moral self scale, moral reasoning test, and a daily behavior checklist. Regression and correlation analyses indicated that moral self and moral reasoning were in general negatively associated with delinquency, but global self-esteem did not have significant linear relation with delinquency. Polynomial contrast tests revealed that moral reasoning and moral self to certain extent had a linear trend with delinquency negatively, but global self-esteem exhibited a curvilinear (U-shape) trend with some but not all delinquent behaviors such as sexual misconduct, drug offenses, gambling. The results were then discussed in the light of self-derogation theory and other relevant theories such as the "threatened ego" and the multidimensional model of self-concept, and hopefully could throw lights to explain the phenomenon for further research.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2008.00553.x
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0143034307078106
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00207590050171120
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1024534022895
Cheung, C. K., Ngai, N. P., and Ngai, S. Y. 2006. “Family Strain and Adolescent Delinquency in Two Chinese Cities, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.” Journal of Child and Family Studies, 16(5):626-641.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10826-006-9112-3
Chui, W. H., Chan, H. C. 2011. “Criminal Recidivism among Hong Kong Male Juvenile Probationers.” Journal of Child and Family Studies, 21(5):857-868.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10826-011-9546-0
Davis, C., Tang, C., & Ko, J. 2002. “Assessing the Impact of Social Factors on the Mental Health of Chinese at Risk Adolescents in Hong Kong.” British Journal of Social Work, 32(5):609-619.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/32.5.609
Davis, C., Tang, C., & Ko, J. 2004. “Impact of Peer, Family and School on Delinquency: A Study of At-risk Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong.” International Social Work, 47(4):489-502.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0020872804046255
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9125.2003.tb00998.x
Donnellan, B. Trzensniewski, K., Robins, R., Moffitt, T., & Caspi, A. 2005. “Low Self-esteem Is Related To Aggression, Antisocial Behavior, and Delinquency.” Psychological Science, 16(4):328-335.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.0956-7976.2005.01535.x
EMB. 2003. Users’ and Training Manual for Measuring Secondary Students’ Performance in Affective and Social Domains. Hong Kong: The Education and Manpower Bureau, the Government of the Hong Kong SAR.
Gebhard, H. & Bernard, P. 2007. “Social Integration of adolescents at risk: Results from a cohort study.” Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies, 2(3):215-226.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17450120701459922
Hammond, T. & Nicholas, E. 2007. “Attitude, Values and Moral Reasoning as predictors of Delinquency.” British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 25(2):169-183.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1348/026151006X113671
Hay, I. 2000. “Gender Self?concept Profiles of Adolescents Suspended from High School.” Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 41(3):345-352.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1469-7610.00618
HKSAR, 2013. “Hong Kong Annual Digest of Statistics 2004-2013.” Hong Kong: Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong SAR Government. Retrieved Mar 31, 2014, http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/sp140.jsp?productCode=B1010003
Huey, S.J., Henggeler, S.W., Brondino, M.J., & Pickrel, S.G. 2000. “Mechanisms of Change in Multisystemic Therapy: Reducing Delinquent Behavior through Therapist Adherence and Improved Family and Peer Functioning.” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(3):451-467.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.68.3.451
Iselin, A. R., DeCoster, J., & Salekin, R. T. 2009. “Maturity in adolescent and young adult offenders: The role of cognitive control.” Law and Human Behavior, 33(6): 455-469.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10979-008-9160-x
Jang, S.J., & Thornberry, T.P. 1998. “Self-esteem, Delinquent Peers, and Delinquency: A Test of the Self-enhancement Thesis.” American Sociological Review, 63:586-598.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2657269
Johnston, M., & Krettenauer, T. 2011. “Moral Self and Moral Emotion Expectancies as Predictors of Anti-and Prosocial Behaviour in Adolescence: A case for Mediation?” European Journal of developmental psychology, 8(2):228-243.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17405621003619945
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Kaplan, H. 1978. “Deviant Behavior and Self-enhancement in Adolescence.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 7(3):253-273.
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2014-04-24
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Cheng, C. (2014). The Predictive Effects of Self-Esteem, Moral Self, and Moral Reasoning on Delinquent Behaviors of Hong Kong Young People. International Journal of Criminology and Sociology, 3, 133–145. https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.12
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