Abstract
Based on the six-wave data collected from Grade 7 to Grade 12 students (N = 3,328 at Wave 1), this pioneer study examined the development of problem behaviors (risk and delinquent behavior and problem behavioral intention) and the predictors (moral competence and spirituality) among adolescents in Hong Kong. Individual growth curve models revealed that while risk and delinquent behavior accelerated and then slowed down in the high school years, adolescent problem behavioral intention slightly accelerated over time. After controlling the background socio-demographic factors, moral competence and spirituality were negatively associated with risk and delinquent behavior as well as problem behavioral intention across all waves as predicted. Regarding the rate of change in the outcome measures, while the initial level of spirituality was positively linked to the growth rate of risk and delinquent behavior, the initial level of moral competence was negatively associated with the growth rate of problem behavioral intention. The theoretical and practical implications of the present findings are discussed with reference to the role of moral competence and spirituality in the development of adolescent problem behavior.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-29-2018
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00430
Funding Information
This research and the 6-wave longitudinal study are financially supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.
Repository Citation
Shek, Daniel T. L. and Zhu, Xiaoqin, "Self-Reported Risk and Delinquent Behavior and Problem Behavioral Intention in Hong Kong Adolescents: The Role of Moral Competence and Spirituality" (2018). Pediatrics Faculty Publications. 290.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/pediatrics_facpub/290
Included in
Applied Behavior Analysis Commons, Child Psychology Commons, Chinese Studies Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Longitudinal Data Analysis and Time Series Commons, Pediatrics Commons
Notes/Citation Information
Published in Frontiers in Psychology, v. 9, article 430, p. 1-17.
Copyright © 2018 Shek and Zhu.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.