The effect of sibling delinquency on risky behaviors during emerging adulthood

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between sibling delinquency and respondent risky behavior of emerging adults. This study attempts to understand the influence a sibling has on deviant behavior, sexual permissiveness, and substance use. Sibling support and sibling contact were the two components of a sibling relationships that were examined. A social learning theory framework was used to organize the hypotheses and to discuss findings. It was hypothesized that an individual who has high contact and support from a deviant sibling would be more likely to engage in deviant behavior, be more sexually permissive, and have increased alcohol use. The sample was comprised of over 700 undergraduates enrolled in a large state university. A test of the mediating and moderating effects of sibling support and contact was conducted. Results indicate that there is a mediating effect and a moderating relationship between the influence of sibling delinquency and respondent deviance, sexual permissiveness, and alcohol use for females. This means that as contact and support with a delinquent sibling increases, the level of respondent deviance, sexual permissiveness, and alcohol use also increases.