1. Objectifs

Intentions :
In this study, the authors aim to examine «the cross-lagged associations between delinquency (nonviolent and violent), depression and anxiety symptoms in a sample of adolescents from a population-based sample. [They also aim] to test the moderating effect of sex and family SES [socioeconomic status].» (p. 63)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«The sampling frame of the present study included 1 515 participants (n = 790 female, 52.1%) who had reported on their delinquent behavior and mental health at ages 15 and/or 17 years.» (p. 59) The authors used data from «the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD)». (p. 59)

Instruments :
Questionnaire

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

Three main results come from this study. «First […] the paths were the same for boys and girls, suggesting that sex did not have a moderating effect. […] Second, we found that the estimates of both models (i.e., the model including nonviolent delinquency and the model including violent delinquency) were relatively similar. […] Third, we found that family SES at ages 10–12 years was not associated with nonviolent and violent delinquency at age 17 years once ages 10–12 emotional and conduct problems were included in the models. [The] findings rather suggest that family SES has a moderating effect. Specifically, anxiety symptoms at 15 years were associated with nonviolent delinquency at age 17 years, but only when family SES was low. [Furthermore], youths who have anxiety symptoms may be highly reactive to emotionally charged or aversive stimuli […], such as stressors associated with low SES (e.g., economic problems), leading to an increased risk of engaging in nonviolent delinquent behavior (e.g., theft) as a coping strategy. In addition, we found that violent delinquency at age 15 years was associated with anxiety symptoms at age 17 years when family SES was high.» (p. 63)