Author Description

Explaining Delinquency and Drug Use is a methodologically flawless research piece that should prove to be a landmark in the field of delinquency research. It is based on the results of the US National Youth Survey which used longitudinal data from three yearly waves of interviews with delinquent and drug using adolescents. The authors present a theoretical model that expands and synthesizes traditional perspectives (strain, social control, and social learning) into a single paradigm. Their model accounts for sustained patterns of delinquent behaviour and drug abuse, and demonstrates that involvement with peers is the strongest predictor of delinquency. The authors have also provided an excellent review of modern delinquency theory in this highly readable book which will appeal to a wide audience. 'This book is a must for any student or scholar interested in synthesizing some of the disjointed yet important theoretical explanations for the causes of delinquent behavior.' -- Choice, March 1986