Cognitive and emotional determinants of delinquent behaviour

Abstract

Objectives: This article was designed to explore the relationships and the effects of negative emotions and self concepts on delinquent behaviour in a sample of Hong Kong young people (N=269). Method: With the use of self-report method, prevalence of deviant behaviours, negative emotions (stress, anxiety, and depression) and self concepts (moral reasoning, self- esteem, and moral self) were measured. Results: Findings revealed that all negative emotions and self concepts (except general self-esteem) were significantly predictive of delinquent behaviour in general. Mediation analysis showed that depression significantly mediated the effect of moral self on delinquent behaviour, whereas stress mediated the effect of moral reasoning on delinquent behaviour. Conclusions: Overall, the current study provided evidences for the facilitating effect of negative emotions with the association of moral self or moral reasoning on deviant behaviour, suggesting negative emotions, the personal formation of moral self and the development of moral reasoning are significant treatment targets in dealing with the problems of delinquents.