The Role of Cultural Factors on Dating Aggression and Delinquency Among Latino Youth

Abstract

There is limited research comparatively evaluating delinquency and dating aggression among Latino youth. This analysis examines the rates and cultural correlates associated with delinquency and dating aggression among Latino youth using data from the Dating Violence Among Latino Adolescents study. The study surveyed 1,525 Latino adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years about past-year dating aggression perpetration and delinquency. Dating aggression perpetration and delinquency rates and relative risk ratios are presented. Logistic regression analyses examined the role of cultural factors on the perpetration of dating aggression and delinquent behaviors. Results showed that cultural factors had differential influence on dating aggression versus delinquency. Specifically, victimization, acculturation, and familial support were associated with dating aggression whereas only victimization and familial support were associated with delinquency. The results provide guidance for intervention and prevention efforts with Latino youth, particularly on the need for cultural consideration and the supportive role family can play in addressing these behaviors.

Explaining the Cultural Retention–Delinquency Relationship Using Differential Support and Coercion Theory: A Study of Native‐Born and Immigrant Latino Youth

“…Examining the influence of the segmented assimilation perspective on Latinos and offending behavior, Gibson and Miller (2010) found support for the cultural retention perspective in that cultural retention that occurred in immigrant neighborhoods served as a protective factor toward offending. In a study of Latino youth, Cuevas et al (2018) found an association between greater acculturation to American society and dating aggression, but did not establish this link in delinquent behavior more broadly. Other research found support for the link between acculturation to U.S. mainstream norms and gang membership among Latinos; however, this relationship is partially mediated by ethnic marginalization (Miller et al, 2011).…”

“…In a study of Latino youth, Cuevas et al. () found an association between greater acculturation to American society and dating aggression, but did not establish this link in delinquent behavior more broadly. Other research found support for the link between acculturation to U.S. mainstream norms and gang membership among Latinos; however, this relationship is partially mediated by ethnic marginalization (Miller et al., ).…”

Immigrants, Crime, and the American Dream: Testing a Segmented Assimilation Theory of Crime

“…Others have found that acculturation is not related to delinquency and is instead negatively associated with dating aggression (Cuevas et al, 2018). However, some have found that the theory still explains being victimized at school as well as receiving disciplinary sanctions at school (Peguero, 2008).…”

Life Domains and Dating Violence Among Latino Youth: A Partial Test of Agnew’s Integrated General Theory

“…Participants were allowed to answer 13 victimization questions with a yes or no response (0 ¼ no, 1 ¼ yes). Following previous studies that have used these data (Cudmore et al, 2017;Cuevas et al, 2018), poly-victimization was operationalized as the total number of victimizations that happened in the past year irrespective of the number of the actual incidents in any one category (a ¼ .68).…”

“…Second, a growing body of literature has begun to uncover the correlates of dating violence among Latino youth. Studies have generally examined this issue in the context of cultural aspects such as acculturation, enculturation, gender stereotypes, machismo, and marianismo (Alvarez et al, 2018;Cuevas et al, 2018;Terrazas-Carrillo & Sabina, 2019;Ulloa et al, 2004). These cultural aspects are important because of their influence on the relationship dynamics within Latino dating culture (Lopez et al, 2012).…”