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Reinforcement sensitivity, coping, and delinquent behaviour in adolescents
1Department of Psychology, Monash University, 900 Dandenong Rd, Caulfield East, VIC 3145, Australia. Penelope.Hasking@med.monash.edu.au
Journal of Adolescence
|December 21, 2006
Summary
This study explored how personality traits, specifically reinforcement sensitivity, relate to adolescent delinquency. Findings suggest coping strategies mediate this link, highlighting potential for intervention.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
Background:
- The link between personality and criminal behavior is long-studied, with Eysenckian dimensions yielding inconsistent results.
- Gray's Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory offers an alternative framework, showing more consistent findings regarding personality's role in criminal behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between reinforcement sensitivity and delinquent behavior in adolescents.
- To explore the mediating role of coping strategies in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 259 adolescents participated in the study.
- Hierarchical regression analyses were employed to examine the relationships between variables.
Main Results:
- Problem-solving coping strategies mediated the association between reward sensitivity and delinquent behavior.
- Non-productive coping strategies moderated the relationship between BAS (Behavioral Approach System) drive and delinquency.
Conclusions:
- Reinforcement sensitivity is linked to adolescent delinquency, with coping strategies playing a significant role.
- Coping skills training may serve as an effective early intervention for preventing delinquent behavior.
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