Deviant Behavior of Children and Youth in Juvenile Delinquency

Abstract

The research on “Deviant Behavior of Children and youth in Juvenile Delinquency” aims (1) to study the characteristics and patterns of criminal behaviors among juvenile offenders and (2) to analyze the factors influencing the emergence of deviant behaviors among children and youth. This study employed a qualitative research design, with data collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions involving juvenile offenders, psychologists, and counselors at the Juvenile and Family Court in Samut Sakhon Province. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data were analyzed using content analysis to synthesize key themes and provide interpretive explanations.

The findings revealed that the development of deviant behaviors among juvenile offenders was influenced by three main factors: (1) Physical factors, such as family breakdown, lack of parental care, poverty, and school dropout, which often led to crimes related to life, physical harm, drugs, and sexual misconduct; (2) Psychosocial factors, including impulsiveness, the need for peer acceptance, association with high-risk groups, and social stigmatization, which contributed to anti-social tendencies; and (3) Social factors, such as the weakening of family institutions, easy access to drugs, exposure to inappropriate media, and negative social role models. Furthermore, the high income from drug trafficking was found to be a significant motivating factor for criminal acts. The study suggests that relevant agencies should strengthen family institutions, foster moral and ethical development, and establish stable social norms to prevent deviant behaviors among children and youth sustainably.