The principal aim of this study is to assess the effects of interactions be
tween predictors in determining their impact on self-reported delinquency i
n Spanish school adolescents. Data were gathered on 3.186 adolescents for s
everal contextual and personal characteristics. Initially, analyses were pe
rformed to establish the influence of each factor; subsequently, hierarchic
al regression analysis was used to determine the degree to which personal v
ariables modulate the influence of family, school, peer groups, and socioec
onomic factors. Results are interpreted with emphasis on the need for an in
teractive non additive perspective. Finally, some metatheoretical considera
tions are discussed.