Delinquency and problem behavior intention among early adolescents in Hong Kong

Delinquency and problem behavior intention were examined in 3,328 Secondary One students in Hong Kong. Over 60% of the respondents had cheated and spoken foul language over the past year, but majority of them had never engaged in other problem behaviors, such as sexual intercourse, staying outside home overnight, gang fighting, and truancy. A significant proportions of the respondents would attempt to engage in delinquent behaviors in the coming two years, including drinking alcohol and gambling. Males reported higher levels of delinquency and problem behavior intention than did females. Higher family functioning, academic competence, prosocial attributes, and general positive youth development predicted a lower likelihood of delinquency and problem behavior intention. These results shed light on the importance of early intervention work at individual, school, and family levels.