THE GENESIS OF ADOLESCENT RISK-TAKING - PATHWAYS THROUGH FAMILY, SCHOOL, AND PEERS

This paper presents an empirical examination of Sampson and Laub's soc ial control theory. It tests the effects of family structure, family a ttachment, school attachment and peer attachment on a generalized form of risk-taking behaviour which includes delinquency and drug use. The data come from a single stratified sample of 1,075 high school studen ts in Ontario. The findings suggest that the effect of family attachme nt on risk-taking is moderated by both school and peer involvement. Wh en family attachment is low, school attachment inhibits risk-taking an d strong peer attachment reinforces it.