Low Cultural Identification, Low Parental Involvement and Adverse Peer Influences as Risk Factors for Delinquent Behaviour Among Filipino Youth in Hawai‘I

Background: Among Filipino youth in Hawai‘i, 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 Hawai‘i. 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.