The Impact of Dating a Gang Member on Adolescent Delinquency in Central America
Article
Kevorkian, SS, Meldrum, RC, Cruz, JM. (2025). The Impact of Dating a Gang Member on Adolescent Delinquency in Central America
. 5(4), 502-516. 10.1007/s43576-025-00166-4
Kevorkian, SS, Meldrum, RC, Cruz, JM. (2025). The Impact of Dating a Gang Member on Adolescent Delinquency in Central America
. 5(4), 502-516. 10.1007/s43576-025-00166-4
Research detailing romantic relationships with gang members in early adolescence are lacking but important given the known influence of romantic partners on antisocial and delinquent behavior. Specifically, the impacts and correlates of romantic relationships with gang-affiliated youth in early adolescence remain relatively unknown. This is particularly salient as it relates to the Central American context, one of the most historically violent regions of the world characterized by high levels of gang violence. Given the commonplace nature of dating relationships in early adolescence, and in line with the theoretical underpinnings of Akers’ social learning theory, the current study investigates the associations between dating a gang member and delinquency and substance use among Salvadoran adolescents using longitudinal data (N = 5,657). Results indicate a positive association between dating a gang member and delinquency when accounting for competing theoretical constructs and prior delinquency. Findings of this study highlight the significance of further evaluating romantic or dating relationships with gang members and note that these relationships may be uniquely associated with and promotive of delinquency during the key developmental period of adolescence.
