Risk and protective factors for youth deviance after a large-scale crisis: A General Strain Theory approach

Objective: deviant behaviors comprise a broad range of actions that violate the norms of the society to which individuals belong. Contemporary research drawing on General Strain Theory argues that macro-level disruptions represent strain-inducing contingencies that may precipitate deviant behaviors and highlights lack of family support and deviant peer association as variables contributing to engagement in deviance. The current study examines the associations among different dimensions of past large-scale crisis-related stress (i.e., relationships and academic life, social isolation, and fear of contagion during the COVID-19 pandemic), perceived family support, and current individual deviant behaviors among youths, while also investigating indirect associations through deviant peer association. Method: a community sample of 606 adolescents and emerging adults (Mage = 18.52 ± 2.89; %F = 48.8%) completed an online survey. Path analysis was employed to examine the relationships among the variables of interest. Results: the assessed model showed adequate fit to the data, accounting for 59.9% of variance in individual deviant behaviors. Stress due to social isolation was positively associated with individual deviant behaviors both directly and indirectly through deviant peer association, whereas stress due to fear of contagion and perceived support from family were negatively associated with individual deviant behaviors both directly and indirectly through deviant peer association. Conclusions: the current findings highlight the need to investigate the interplay of specific stress experiences, family dynamics, peer influences, and individuals’ endorsement of deviance following a large-scale crisis. Results provide insights for future research and preventive efforts targeting contemporary youth deviance. Key words: deviance, deviant peer association, family support, youth