Predictors of Antisocial Behavior Among Hispanic Adults

Antisocial behavior can lead to serious social and legal consequences such as long-term involvement in criminal activities. Although there has been much research on predictors of antisocial behavior, such as perceived economic status, parental communication, impulsivity, substances, parenting styles, and parental involvement, little has been researched on how these apply to the Hispanic population. Grounded in Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general crime theory, the purpose of this nonexperimental correlational survey design study was to assess whether sensation-seeking behavior, self-control, parental monitoring, religious coping, perceived social support, and rugged resilience predicted antisocial behavior among Hispanic adults. A sample of 167 Hispanic adult participants living in the United States was included in the analyses. Bivariate correlation analyses indicated that all variables of interest, with the exception of religious coping, predicted antisocial behavior. A multiple regression analysis, however, revealed that only sensation-seeking behavior predicted antisocial behavior. The findings underscore the importance of sensation-seeking behavior as a critical factor in antisocial behavior. These results may contribute to positive social change by providing clinical psychologists and other mental health professionals with valuable insights for developing interventions to address antisocial behavior among Hispanic adults.