Low cultural identification, low parental involvement and adverse peer influences as risk factors for delinquent behaviour among Filipino youth in Hawai'i.
BACKGROUND
Among Filipino youth in Hawai'i, low Filipino cultural identification and low family support may be important risk factors for delinquency.


OBJECTIVE
To examine, in a sample of Filipino youth in Hawai'i, correlations between delinquent behaviour and the aforementioned - as well as other, potentially mediating - variables.


METHODS
A youth risk survey and Filipino Culture Scale were administered to Filipino students (N = 150) in Hawai'i. A parent risk survey was administered to available and consenting parents.


RESULTS
Delinquent behaviour correlated positively with acculturative stress, low cultural identification and adverse peer influences; and negatively with total Filipino Culture Scale score. Structural equation modelling suggested that absent/ineffective adults and adverse peer influences might be more important variables compared to low self-esteem and less religiosity, linking low cultural identification to delinquent behaviour.


CONCLUSIONS
Although further studies are warranted, to be effective, efforts to prevent delinquency by enhancing Filipino youths' cultural connectedness may also need to enhance family connectedness and address adverse peer influences.
Guerrero
Anthony P S
AP
University of Hawai'i, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Asian/Pacific Islander Youth Violence Prevention Center, USA. GuerreroA@dop.hawaii.edu
Nishimura
Stephanie T
ST
Chang
Janice Y
JY
Ona
Celia
C
Cunanan
Vanessa L
VL
Hishinuma
Earl S
ES
D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology*; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006254:Hawaii; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D016487:Parenting / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D010379:Peer Group; D010679:Philippines / Q000208:ethnology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D012932:Social Facilitation; D012933:Social Identification; D029181:Spirituality