The Predictive Effects of Self-Esteem, Moral Self, and Moral Reasoning on Delinquent Behaviors of Hong Kong Young People

Authors

  • Christopher Cheng City University of Hong Kong

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.12

Keywords:

Moral reasoning, moral self, delinquency

Abstract

While external factors such as family and peers were widely known to be predictive of juvenile delinquency, mixed results were reported regarding the effects of internal (personal) variables such as self-concept and moral reasoning maturity. The present study was to delineate the effects of two variables relating to the self (self-esteem, moral self) and the moral reasoning maturity in predicting delinquency. A sample of 266 young people aged between 17 and 21 were invited to complete a questionnaire composed of global self-concept (self-esteem) scale, moral self scale, moral reasoning test, and a daily behavior checklist. Regression and correlation analyses indicated that moral self and moral reasoning were in general negatively associated with delinquency, but global self-esteem did not have significant linear relation with delinquency. Polynomial contrast tests revealed that moral reasoning and moral self to certain extent had a linear trend with delinquency negatively, but global self-esteem exhibited a curvilinear (U-shape) trend with some but not all delinquent behaviors such as sexual misconduct, drug offenses, gambling. The results were then discussed in the light of self-derogation theory and other relevant theories such as the "threatened ego" and the multidimensional model of self-concept, and hopefully could throw lights to explain the phenomenon for further research.

Author Biography

Christopher Cheng, City University of Hong Kong

Department of Applied Social Studies

References

Aleixo, P. A., & Norris, C. E. 2000. “Personality and Moral Reasoning in Young Offenders.” Personality and Individual Differences, 28(3):609-623.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0191-8869(99)00124-5

Aloise-Young, P. A., Hennigan, K. M., Leong, C. W. 2001. “Possible Sevles and Negative Health Behaviors During Early Adolescence.” The Journal of Early Adolescence, 21(2):158-181.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0272431601021002002
Ang, R., & Yusof, N. 2005. “The Relationship between Aggression, Narcissism, and Self-esteem in Asian Children and Adolescents.” Current Psychology, 24(2):113-122.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12144-005-1010-0
Apple Daily. 2013. “School Girl Worked as Sex Partner to Earn Tuition Fees.” Apple Daily. Retrieved April 19, 2013, http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/news/art/20130419/18233264
Aunola, K., Stattin, H., & Nurmi, J. 2000. “Adolescents’ Achievement Strategies, School Adjustment, and Externalizing and Internalizing Problem Behaviors.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 29(3):289-306.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1005143607919
Baldry, A. C., & Farrington, D. P. 2000. “Bullies and Delinquents: Personal Characteristics and Parental Styles.” Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, 10(1):17-31.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1298(200001/02)10:1<17::AID-CASP526>3.0.CO;2-M
Barry, C., Grafeman, S., Adler, K. & Pickard, J. 2007. “The Relations among Narcissism, Self-esteem, and Delinquency in a Sample of At-risk Adolescents.” Journal of Adolescence, 30(6):933 – 942.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2006.12.003
Baumeister, R.F., Smart, L., & Boden, J.M. 1996. “Relation of Threatened Egotism to Violence and Aggression: The Dark Side of High Self-esteem.” Psychological Review, 103(1):5-33.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.103.1.5
Beerthuizen, Marinus G. C., Brugman, D., and Basinger, K. S. 2013. “Oppositional Defiance, Moral Reasoning and Moral Value Evaluation as Predictors of Self-reported Juvenile Delinquency.” Journal of Moral Education, 42(4):460-474.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03057240.2013.803955
Bond, M. H. 1997. “Values and Moral Behavior in Mainland China.” Psychologia, 40(4): 251-264.
Broadhurst, R. G. 2004. “Crime Trends in Hong Kong: Another Look at the Safe City.” Pp. 133-149 in Crime and its Control in PR China: Proceedings of the Annual Symposium 2000-2002, edited by Broadhurst, Roderic G. Hong Kong: Centre for Criminology, University of Hong Kong. Retrieved from Apr 1, 2014 http://eprints.qut.edu.au/5386/1/5386_1.pdf
Broadhurst, R., Lee, K. W., Chan, C. Y. 2013. “Crime Trends.” Pp. 45-68 in Understanding Criminal Justice in Hong Kong, edited by Chui, W. H., and Lo, T. W. Hong Kong: Willan Publishing.
Brownfield, D., & Thompson, K. 2005. “Self-concept and Delinquency: The Effects of Reflected Appraisals by Parent and Peers.” Western Criminology Review, 6(1):22-29.
Bushman, B., & Baumeister, R. 1998. “Threatened Egotism, Narcissism, Self-esteem, and Direct and Displaced Aggression: Does Self-love or Self-hate Lead to Violence?” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75(1):219 – 229.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.75.1.219
Bushman, B., Baumeister, R., Thomaes, S., Ryu, E., Begeer, S., & West, S. 2009. “Looking Again, and Harder, for a Link between Low Self-esteem and Aggression.” Journal of Personality, 77(2):427 – 446.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2008.00553.x
Carroll, A., Houghton, S., Wood, R., Perkins, C., & Bower, J. 2007. “Multidimensional Self-concept Age and Gender Differences in Australian High School Students Involved in Delinquent Activities.” School Psychology International, 28(2):237-256.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0143034307078106

Chen, C.A., & Howitt, D. 2007. “Different Crime Types and Moral Reasoning Development in Young Offenders Compared with Non-offender Controls.” Psychology, Crime and Law, 13(4):405-416.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10683160601060788
Cheng, C.H.K. 1996. “Towards a culturally relevant model of self-concept for the Hong Kong Chinese.” Pp. 235-254 in Asian Contributions to Cross-Culturally Psychology, edited by Pandey J., Sinha D., and D.P.S. Bhawuk D. P. S. London: Sage Publications.
Cheng, C.H.K., & Watkins, D. 2000. “Age and Gender Invariance of Self-concept Factor Structure: An Investigation of a Newly Developed Chinese Self-concept Instrument.” International Journal of Psychology, 35(5):186-193.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00207590050171120
Cheung, Y. W. 1997. “Family, School, Peer, and Media Predictors of Adolescent Deviant Behavior in Hong Kong.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 26(5):569 – 596.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1024534022895
Cheung, C. K., Ngai, N. P., and Ngai, S. Y. 2006. “Family Strain and Adolescent Delinquency in Two Chinese Cities, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.” Journal of Child and Family Studies, 16(5):626-641.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10826-006-9112-3
Chui, W. H., Chan, H. C. 2011. “Criminal Recidivism among Hong Kong Male Juvenile Probationers.” Journal of Child and Family Studies, 21(5):857-868.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10826-011-9546-0
Davis, C., Tang, C., & Ko, J. 2002. “Assessing the Impact of Social Factors on the Mental Health of Chinese at Risk Adolescents in Hong Kong.” British Journal of Social Work, 32(5):609-619.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/32.5.609
Davis, C., Tang, C., & Ko, J. 2004. “Impact of Peer, Family and School on Delinquency: A Study of At-risk Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong.” International Social Work, 47(4):489-502.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0020872804046255
Donker, A. G., Smeenk, W. H., van der Laan, P. H., & Verhulst, F. C. 2003. “Individual Stability of Antisocial Behavior from Childhood to Adulthood: Testing the Stability Postulate of Moffit’s Developmental Theory.” Criminology, 41(3):593–609.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9125.2003.tb00998.x
Donnellan, B. Trzensniewski, K., Robins, R., Moffitt, T., & Caspi, A. 2005. “Low Self-esteem Is Related To Aggression, Antisocial Behavior, and Delinquency.” Psychological Science, 16(4):328-335.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.0956-7976.2005.01535.x
EMB. 2003. Users’ and Training Manual for Measuring Secondary Students’ Performance in Affective and Social Domains. Hong Kong: The Education and Manpower Bureau, the Government of the Hong Kong SAR.
Gebhard, H. & Bernard, P. 2007. “Social Integration of adolescents at risk: Results from a cohort study.” Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies, 2(3):215-226.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17450120701459922
Hammond, T. & Nicholas, E. 2007. “Attitude, Values and Moral Reasoning as predictors of Delinquency.” British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 25(2):169-183.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1348/026151006X113671
Hay, I. 2000. “Gender Self?concept Profiles of Adolescents Suspended from High School.” Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 41(3):345-352.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1469-7610.00618
HKSAR, 2013. “Hong Kong Annual Digest of Statistics 2004-2013.” Hong Kong: Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong SAR Government. Retrieved Mar 31, 2014, http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/sp140.jsp?productCode=B1010003

Huey, S.J., Henggeler, S.W., Brondino, M.J., & Pickrel, S.G. 2000. “Mechanisms of Change in Multisystemic Therapy: Reducing Delinquent Behavior through Therapist Adherence and Improved Family and Peer Functioning.” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(3):451-467.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.68.3.451
Iselin, A. R., DeCoster, J., & Salekin, R. T. 2009. “Maturity in adolescent and young adult offenders: The role of cognitive control.” Law and Human Behavior, 33(6): 455-469.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10979-008-9160-x
Jang, S.J., & Thornberry, T.P. 1998. “Self-esteem, Delinquent Peers, and Delinquency: A Test of the Self-enhancement Thesis.” American Sociological Review, 63:586-598.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2657269
Johnston, M., & Krettenauer, T. 2011. “Moral Self and Moral Emotion Expectancies as Predictors of Anti-and Prosocial Behaviour in Adolescence: A case for Mediation?” European Journal of developmental psychology, 8(2):228-243.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17405621003619945
Jou, S.H. 2004. Juvenile Delinquency. Taiwan: Wu Nan Publishing.
Kaplan, H. 1978. “Deviant Behavior and Self-enhancement in Adolescence.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 7(3):253-273.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01537977
Kaplan, H.B. 1980. Deviant Behaviour in Defense of Self. New York: Academic Press.
Kaplan, H. B., Johnson, R. J., & Bailey, C. A. 1986. “Self-rejection and the Explanation of Deviance: Refinement and Elaboration of a Latent Structure.” Social Psychology Quarterly, 49(2):101-128.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2786723
Kohlberg, L. 1969. Stage and Sequence: The Cognitive-developmental Approach to Socialization. In D.A. Goslin (Ed.), Handbook of socialization theory and research. Chicago: Rand McNally.
Lau, S., & Leung, K. 1992. “Relations with Parents and School and Chinese Adolescents’ Self-concept, Delinquency, and Academic Performance.” British Journal of Educational Psychology, 62(2):193-202.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8279.1992.tb01013.x
Leung, K., & Lau, S. 1989. “Effects of Self-concept and Perceived Disapproval of Delinquent Behavior in School Children.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 18(4):345-359.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02139254
Lo, T.W., Cheng, C.H.K., Wong, D.S.W., Rochelle, T.L., and Kwok, S.I. 2011. “Self-esteem, Self-efficacy and Deviant Behavior of Young People in Hong Kong.” Advances in Applied Sociology, 1:48-55.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/aasoci.2011.11004
Ma, H. K., Shek, T. L., and Lam, O. B. 2000. “Parental, Peer, and Teacher Influences on the Social Behavior of Hong Kong Chinese Adolescents.” The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 161(1): 65-78.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00221320009596695
Mason, A. 2001. “Self-esteem and Delinquency Revisited (Again): A Test of Kaplan’s Self-derogation Theory of Delinquency Using Latent Growth Curve Modeling.” Journal of Youth and Adolescents, 30(1):83-102.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1005276905961
Mullis, R. L., Cornille, T. A., Mullis, A. K., & Huber, J. 2004. “Female Juvenile Offending: A Review of Characteristics and Contexts.” Journal of Child and Family Studies, 13(2):205–218.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/B:JCFS.0000015708.71295.2a
Nelson, J.R., Smith, D. J., & Dodd, J. 1990. “The Moral Reasoning of Juvenile Delinquents: A Meta-analysis.” Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 18(3):231-239.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00916562

Ngai, N. P., and Cheung, C. K. 2005. “Predictors of the Likelihood of Delinquency: A Study of Marginal Youth in Hong Kong, China.” Youth & Society, 36:445-470.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0044118X04265090
Overbeek, G., Vollebergh, W., Engels, R., & Meeus, W. 2005. “Juvenile delinquency as acting out: Emotional disturbance mediating the effects of parental attachment and life events.” European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 2(1):39-46.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17405620444000184
Owens, T.J. 1994. “Two Dimensions of Self-esteem: Reciprocal Effects of Positive Self-worth and Self-deprecation on Adolescent Problems.” American Sociological Review, 59(3):391-407.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2095940
Piaget, J. 1965. The Moral Judgement of the Child. IL: The Free Press.
Raaijmakers, Q. A., Engels, R. C., & Van Hoof, A. 2005. “Delinquency and Moral Reasoning in Adolescence and Young Adulthood.” International Journal of Behavioral Development, 29(3):247-258.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/01650250544000035
Rest, J. R. 1975. “Longitudinal Study of the Defining Issues Test of Moral Judgment: A Strategy for Analyzing Developmental Change.” Developmental Psychology, 11(6):738-748.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.11.6.738
Rosenberg, M., Schooler, C., & Schoenbach, C. 1989. “Self-esteem and Adolescent Problems: Modeling Reciprocal Effects.” American Sociological Review, 54(6):1004-1008.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2095720
Shavelson, R.J., Hubner, J. J., and Stanton, G. C. 1976. “Self-concept: Validation of Construct Interpretations.” Review of Educational Research, 46:407-441.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3102/00346543046003407
Shavelson, R. J. 1996. Statistical Reasoning for the Behavioral Sciences. Allyn & MA: Bacon.
Shaw, J.M., & Scott, W.A. 1991. “Influence of Parent Discipline Style on Delinquent Behaviour: The Mediating Role of Control Orientation.” Australian Journal of Psychology, 43(2):61-67.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00049539108259101
Shek, T. L. 2004. “Chinese Culture Beliefs about Adversity: Its Relationship to Psychological Well-Being, School Adjustment and Problem Behavior in Hong Kong Adolescents with and without Economic disadvantage.” Childhood, 11:63-80.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0907568204040185
Shin, H. J., & Yu K. 2012. “Connectedness of Korean Adolescents: Profiles and Influencing Factors.” Asia Pacific Educational Review, 13(4):593–605.
Stams, G. J., Brugman, D., Dekovi?, M., van Rosmalen, L., van der Laan, P., & Gibbs, J. C. 2006. “The Moral Judgment of Juvenile Delinquents: A Meta-analysis.” Journal of abnormal child psychology, 34(5):692-708.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10802-006-9056-5
Sun, C. F., Shek, T. L. 2009. “Life Satisfaction, Positive Youth Development, and Problem Behaviour Among Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong.” Social Indicators Research, 95(3):455-474.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-009-9531-9
Tarry, H., & Emler, N. 2007. “Attitudes, Values and Moral Reasoning as Predictors of Delinquency.” British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 25(2):169-183.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1348/026151006X113671
The Sun. 2012. Thirteen Year Old Drug Addict Seeking Help. The Sun. Retrieved 25th March, 2013, URL: http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20120325/00407_084.html?pubdate=20120325
Warr, M. 1993. “Age, Peers, and Delinquency.” Criminology, 31(1):17-40.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9125.1993.tb01120.x
Wells, L.E., & Rankin, J.H. 1983. “Self-concept as a Mediating Factor in Delinquency.” Social Psychology Quarterly, 46(1):11-22.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3033656
Wong, D.S.W, Cheng, C.H.K., Leung, S.O., and Ma, S.K. 2010. “Cognitive and Moral Development of Adolescents: Implications to Law Reform of Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility.” The Journal of Youth Research, 159:24-31.
Wyatt, J. M., & Carlo, G. 2002. “What Will My Parents Think? Relations among Adolescents’ Expected Parental Reactions, Prosocial Moral Reasoning, and Prosocial and Antisocial Behaviors.” Journal of Adolescent Research, 17(6):646-666.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/074355802237468

Downloads

Published

2014-04-24

How to Cite

Cheng, C. (2014). The Predictive Effects of Self-Esteem, Moral Self, and Moral Reasoning on Delinquent Behaviors of Hong Kong Young People. International Journal of Criminology and Sociology, 3, 133–145. https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.12

Issue

Section

Articles