The leading theories on juvenile delinquency--social control, strain and differential associations/social learning theories--agree that adolescents who are found lacking in social bonds or social control such as parental attachment and school commitment are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. The theories diverge in their explanations of why this occurs, although there has not been a great deal of research on this issue. According to the social control theory, an individual who is unhampered by normal social controls will turn to delinquency as the most expedient way of having their needs/desires met. Strain theorists argue that the same social processes that lead to low social control can lead to increased anger and frustration which can lead to delinquent behavior. They acknowledge, however, that some individuals experience more needs frustration than others and therefore the motivation for deviant behavior varies from individual to individual. Data supporting the strain theory is provided by the Youth in Transition Survey conducted by the Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan. According to the differential associations/social learning theory adolescents who are low in attachment, commitment and belief do not turn to delinquency as a means of having needs met but rather because they are more likely to associate with delinquent peers who may lead them to commit delinquent acts. 3 figures, 4 tables