PEER RELATIONS AND CHINESE-CANADIAN DELINQUENCY

The main and interactive effects of delinquent friends, peer attachmen t, and association with Chinese friends on delinquency are examined ba sed oil a sample of Chinese-Canadian youths. The results reveal that a ssociation with delinquent friends increases delinquency involvement, whereas attachment to peers has just the opposite effect. In terms of interactive effects, it is found that strong attachment to peels dampe ns the criminogenic effect of delinquent friends. There is also the un expected finding that association with Chinese friends increases the l ikelihood of delinquency involvement. Further analyses have shown that association with Chinese friends may indicate the degree of balance b etween same-ethnic and cross-ethnic friendship ties that, in turn, aff ects delinquency The results underscore cite importance of both cultur al adherence and friendship ties in the prevention of delinquency.