An empirical test of labeling theory using longitudinal data

This article uses panel data and multiple regression of follow-up on baseline variables to test direction of causality among drug use behavior, informal labels, and formal labels. Baseline and follow-up data were collected on a random sample of 100 adolescents (54 males) and a clinical sample of 88...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Authors: Ray, Melvin C. (Author) ; Downs, William R. (Author)
Format: Electronic/Print Article
Language:English
Published: 1986
In: Journal of research in crime and delinquency
Year: 1986, Volume: 23, Issue: 2, Pages: 169-194
Online Access: Volltext (doi)
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Availability in Tübingen:Present in Tübingen.
IFK: In: Z 31
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
Labeling Effekt
Etikettierungstheorie
Sekundäre Devianz
Mädchendelinquenz
Drogenkonsum
Jugendliche
Description
Summary:This article uses panel data and multiple regression of follow-up on baseline variables to test direction of causality among drug use behavior, informal labels, and formal labels. Baseline and follow-up data were collected on a random sample of 100 adolescents (54 males) and a clinical sample of 88 adolescents (49 males). Separate regressions were performed on male and female respondents using both samples. Slope differences across samples were tested using interaction terms computed by multiplying sample type (coded as 0 = random, 1 = clinical) by each regressor. Results partially supported by the labeling theory proposition of secondary deviance among males, although changes are suggested in this proposition. Among females, drug use behavior was causally prior to labels, which contradicts secondary deviance. Further research is needed to clarify reasons for this sex difference in causal processes over time. An implication for research is to use panel data where possible in testing direction of causality. An implication for theory in the social sciences is that theories may be sex-specific. Thus theories must be tested separately on each sex as well as on samples including both sexes
ISSN:0022-4278
DOI:10.1177/0022427886023002004