• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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• v.10 no.spc
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• pp.87-115
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• 2004

This paper examines the influence of interpersonal relationship on delinquent behavior among adolescents. The role that parent-child relationship, teacher-student relationship, and relationship with friends play on delinquent behavior is reviewed. Review of empirical studies reveal the following results. First, adolescents who perceive their parents as being hostile and rejecting are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. Second, those adolescents with parents, who have low expectations and who are less likely pressure them to succeed academically, are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. Third, adolescents who feel that they have been abandoned by their parents are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. Fourth, those adolescents with low social support from parents and teachers and high social support from their friends are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. Fifth, those students who feel hostility from their teachers, have negative relationship with teachers, and experience greater punishment are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. The results indicate that punishment can have adverse effect on some adolescents, further damaging the teacher-student relationship. Punishment can further reinforce the existing negative cycle that can increase the likelihood of adolescents engaging in delinquent behavior. The results indicate that a lack of support from parents and teacher leads to low academic and self-regulatory efficacy, which leads to low academic performance, which can results in punishments that could further damage their relationship with their parents and teachers and bring them closer to their friends. Adolescents caught up in this negative cycle are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. These results indicate the need to reform the relational, social, and cultural environment of adolescents who are engaged in delinquent behavior.