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Effects of Grade Level and Sex Upon Self-Reported Delinquency and Drug Usage

NCJ Number
70814
Journal
Peabody Journal of Education Volume: 53 Issue: 2 Dated: (January 1976) Pages: 115-120
Author(s)
F Martin
Date Published
1976
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study tried to assess the effect of sex and grade level upon self-reported delinquency and drug usage and to evaluate the relationships among delinquency, drug usage and interpersonal relationships.
Abstract
The subjects were systemically selected from all 8,932 7th-grade through 12th-grade pupils in a 17-school metropolitan school system. The selected sample of 2,233 students returned 1,882 usable questionnaires. The questionnaire dealt with self-reports of nine delinquent acts, self-reports of drug usage of eight classes of drugs and self-reports of relationships with family, classmates, teachers, and community. Questions concerning grade and sex were also included. Data were analyzed using t-test and chi-square procedures. Results showed that more males reported delinquent acts and drug usage than females. No significant sex differences were found regarding self-estimates of drug knowledge. With increasing grade level, the percentage of both males and females reporting delinquent acts and drug usage increased, as did the percentage of students stating that they could discuss problems with classmates, but the percentage dropped of students who felt they could discuss problems with their parents. Thus, results indicate the need for improved interpersonal relations, for different programs for males and females, and for different programs of information for different ages. Footnotes are provided.