Recreation and delinquency: an examination of the relationship between organized and unorganized recreational activity and types of delinquency

Recreational activity, whether organized or unorganized, has an interesting relationship with delinquency. Generally, research shows that delinquent youth were less likely to participate in organized recreational activity (Burgess, Shanas, & Dunning, 1942; Landers & Landers, 1978; Yin, Katims, & Zapata, 1999). Furthermore, delinquent students were found to be more likely to participate in unorganized activity, socialize with friends, and were less likely to participate in home-based recreational activity. Drawing on the previous research, this proposed study would examine the relationship between recreational activity and delinquency. This study aims to advance the existing literature on this relationship by utilizing the social bond theoretical framework. Data will be derived from the first and third waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. The in-home questionnaire includes measures of recreational activity, academic outcomes, behavioral outcomes, and demographic information. This study aims to help inform criminal justice, educational, and recreational policy.