Marcus, R.F. (1996, Spring). The friendships of delinquents. Adolescence. pp. 145-158.

This specific article is a wonderful compilation and review of all the research to date on understanding the friendships of delinquents. It is specifically directed at distinguishing the characteristics and qualities of friendships as contrasted with non-delinquents. Its primary focus is on behaviors and emotions displayed within the friendships and pertains mainly to male versus female relationships. It concludes with new directions for furthering the understanding of the nature of friendships within this specific population.

DESIGN

The study is designed to distinguish the qualities of delinquents’ relationships as contrasted to non-delinquent friendships, using normal friendships as the backdrop. The information is broken into the following categories:

• Normal adolescent friendships.
• Gender differences.
• Developmental changes.
• Delinquents vs. non-delinquents.
• Social-cognitive process.
• Emotional quality of the friendship.
• Differences in overt behavior.

FINDINGS

The following characteristics are strongly present in delinquent relationships:

• Greater conflicts, reducing the quality and stability of the friendship.
• More arguments.
• Greater aggressive and impulsive behavior.
• Poorer social-cognitive problem-solving skills.
• Perceptual and cognitive distortions.
• Poorer reparative skills (i.e., empathy and role-taking).

CONCLUSIONS

The above findings indicate a strong need to create interventive strategies to reduce the ever-present conflict with in and with out. It also suggests the need to create ways to enhance and nurture the ‘warmer’ characteristics of empathy, liking, respect, identification and felt security.

CRITIQUE AND EVALUATION

This is a valuable compilation of information and it is highly suggested that a copy be secured from the journal, Adolescence. The clear, consise information given under each of the categories which leads to each of the findings is extremely beneficial and helpful. Excellent support and back up material is also provided. There is a need for more research, specifically focusing on male-female differences and solely on female delinquents and non-delinquents, to broaden the full understanding of delinquency.

IMPLICATIONS

1. Delinquency is usually defined as a pattern of illegal behavior committed by a minor. Delinquent youth place themselves in opposition to those in positions of authority.
2. Since the first authority young people come up against is in the home, it is not surprising that delinquents experience greater conflict and lower cohesion within the family unit.
3. What is surprising is that delinquent friendships are also usually shorter in duration than non-delinquent friendships. If this is the case, then important consistency and stability is missing from these young people’s lives.
4. It is significant to be well aware of the traits that define a delinquent youth as youth workers try to bring some stability, acceptance of themselves and others, and love back into their lives.
5. This study provides insight into the nature of friendships for the delinquent population—and how adjusted further studies can glean more insight. Those called to work with youth need to develop mentoring and support relationships with such young people to help alter their attitudes while nurturing ‘warmer’ characteristics to help bring them to a more secure and happier lifestyle.

Anne Montague cCYS