Adolescence on the Edge: Factors influencing Deviant Behavior

My research focuses on deviant behavior in adolescence. For this research the deviant behavior is defined as “ranging from violent crimes, such as murder, to simple assaults, motor theft, vandalism, and disorderly conduct” (Carlson 2012). Scholarship on deviant behavior typically uses observational measures to investigate the significance of peer and parental influence on adolescence (Carlson 2012). Additionally, I examined scholarship on how substance abuse and transitional changes during the developmental period may increase deviant tendencies (Smith 2022). Findings suggest that negative influences in an adolescent's environment increase the likelihood of engaging in deviant behaviors. I will use conflict theory and social control theory to delve deeper into the sociological effects of these findings. Contrary to the common belief that deviance among adolescents is rare, this research highlights its prevalence. “The capacity in Juvenile facilities has increased by 120%”(Carlson 2012). I examine the reasons that deviance among adolescents leads to more serious problems and discuss solutions to decrease these numbers, such as, increasing the support groups that are offered to children, and positive activities to engage in (Jong, Bernasco, Lammers 2019). This research is important because if we can impact how a child grows up in a positive way we can limit the amount of deviance we have in our society, which may lead to a decrease in crime and violence.