Citation

Guerrero APS, Nishimura ST, Chang JY, Ona C, Cunanan VL, Hishinuma ES. Int. J. Soc. Psychiatry 2010; 56(4): 371-387.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0020764009102772

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Background: Among Filipino youth in Hawaii, low Filipino cultural identification and low family support may be important risk factors for delinquency. Aims: To examine, in a sample of Filipino youth in Hawai‘i, correlations between delinquent behaviour and the aforementioned — as well as other, potentially mediating — variables. Methods: A youth risk survey and Filipino Culture Scale were administered to Filipino students (N = 150) in Hawaii. A parent risk survey was administered to available and consenting parents. Results: Delinquent behaviour correlated positively with acculturative stress, low cultural identification and adverse peer influences; and negatively with total Filipino Culture Scale score. Structural equation modelling suggested that absent/ ineffective adults and adverse peer influences might be more important variables compared to low self-esteem and less religiosity, linking low cultural identification to delinquent behaviour. Conclusions: Although further studies are warranted, to be effective, efforts to prevent delinquency by enhancing Filipino youths’ cultural connectedness may also need to enhance family connectedness and address adverse peer influences.