Incorporating Opportunity and Individual Risk Perspectives on Adolescent Deviance: The Interactive Effect of Unstructured Socializing and Low Self-Control

Although criminological theories emphasize both individual and environmental conditions related to adolescent deviance, the interaction between these factors has often been overlooked. To address this research gap, this study examines the interaction between unstructured socializing and low self-control on adolescent deviance using a nationally representative sample from South Korea (N = 10,338). The results reveal that both unstructured socializing and low self-control are significantly associated with adolescent deviance. More importantly, the findings show that adolescents’ self-control significantly moderates the effect of engaging in unstructured socializing on deviance. In other words, unstructured socializing increases the likelihood of engaging in deviant behavior, particularly for adolescents with lower levels of self-control. Thus, variations in adolescents’ self-control can influence the extent of deviant behavior during unstructured socializing. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.