Highlights of Findings From the Rochester Youth Development Study

• NCJ Number: 181861
• Author(s): Katharine Browning Ph.D.; Terence P. Thornberry Ph.D.; Pamela K. Porter MSE
• Date Published: April 1999
• Length: 2 pages
• Agencies: OJJDP
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)

Annotation

This OJJDP Fact Sheet presents highlights of findings from the Rochester Youth Development Study.

Abstract

The Rochester Youth Development Study, a longitudinal study of 1,000 urban adolescents, investigated the causes and consequences of adolescent delinquency and drug use by following a sample of high-risk urban adolescents from their early teenage years through their early adult years. Children who were more attached to and involved with their parents were less involved in delinquency. Poor parenting increased the probability of delinquent behavior and delinquent behavior further weakened the relationship between parent and child. The impact of family variables appeared to fade as adolescents became older and more independent of their parents. Weak school commitment and poor school performance were associated with increased involvement in delinquency and drug use. The report also presents data concerning peer influence on behavior, gang membership and delinquency, structural position, youth involvement with guns, and consequences of delinquent behavior. Reference