The Moderating Effect of Activity Participation on The Effect of Teacher-student Relationships on Student Delinquent Behavior

Delinquent behavior among adolescents has emerged as a significant issue in South Korea, with thousands of youth charged every year for related offenses. This study examines the effects of teacher-student relationships and activity participation on adolescent delinquency, as well as the moderating role of activity participation in this relationship. Data was taken from 2,224 high school students (ages 17–18) in the KCYPS2018m1Yw6 dataset. Measures included the Student-Teacher Attachment Relationship Scale, an activity participation inventory, and a delinquent behavior scale. An SPSS 21 analysis revealed that teacher-student relationships were associated significantly and negatively with delinquent behavior (β=–.098, p<.01), and activity participation was not significant as an independent variable. When activity participation was added into the equation, the negative effect of teacher-student relationships on delinquent behavior was strengthened (β=–.463, p<.01). Because of this, development of teacher-student relationships, along with high activity participation, can be vital in preventing adolescent delinquency; future research should examine different effects of extracurricular activities and conduct longitudinal studies to examine relationship changes over time.