Influence of Family Dynamics and Peer Influence on Adolescent Delinquency: A Socio-Psychological Study in Tripura

Abstract

This study explores the influence of family dynamics and peer pressure on juvenile delinquency among adolescents in Tripura, a north-eastern state of India. Utilizing Bandura’s Social Learning Theory and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory as conceptual frameworks, the research investigates how interpersonal environments contribute to the development of delinquent behaviors. The study sampled 100 adolescents, consisting of 50 institutionalized juvenile delinquents and 50 school-going juvenile non-delinquents, matched for age and socio-economic background. To assess familial and peer-related factors, standardized tools were employed, including the Family Environment Scale (FES) and the Peer Pressure Questionnaire (PPQ). The results revealed that juvenile delinquent adolescents experienced significantly higher levels of family conflict and greater peer pressure compared to juvenile non-delinquent peers. Correlational analyses indicated strong positive relationships between both family conflict and peer pressure with delinquency scores. A multiple regression model showed that these two variables together accounted for 76% of the variance in delinquent behavior. These findings underscore the critical importance of supportive family systems and healthy peer relationships in preventing juvenile delinquency.