Psycho-social Factors on Delinquent Behavior among Junior High School Students: Basis for an Intervention Program

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the psycho-social factors on delinquent behaviors among Junior High School students from selected schools in Agoo, La Union. This descriptive-correlational research employed total enumeration and used frequency counts, percentages, average weighted mean, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient to analyze the data gathered using standardized tests and constructed questionnaires on factors of delinquent behaviors and extent of delinquency. Findings show that: a) most respondents were male adolescents, middle-born, have low family income and have fairly satisfactory academic performance; b) respondents have moderately low self-esteem and moderate level of emotional intelligence; c) they have good family relations, a poor relations to their teachers, and have very good relations with peers; also, d) they have moderately intense delinquencies with prevalence 4 to 5 times per week and had a duration of 1 year; further, e) male and younger respondents with lower family income tend to have greater chance of committing delinquencies; while, f) respondents with low self-esteem and empathy would likely lead to delinquent behaviors; lastly, g) weak school relations and their being peer-centered widen the chance of more engagement in delinquencies.