Kontakt X:X | DOI: 10.32725/kont.2026.056

Personality traits, peer attachment, and delinquent behaviour among adolescents: a cross-sectional studySocial Sciences in Health - Original article

Zulkarnain Zulkarnain ORCID...1, *, Debby Anggraini Daulay1, Ari Widiyanta1, Kurnia J. P. Lumbanbatu1, Sofya K. Nartova-Bochaver ORCID...2
1 Universitas Sumatera Utara, Faculty of Psychology, Medan, Indonesia
2 HSE University, Department of Psychology, Moscow, Russia

Introduction: Adolescent delinquency remains a significant social issue shaped by both individual psychological characteristics and the quality of social relationships. Personality traits are known to influence behavioural tendencies, while peer attachment plays a critical role in adolescent development and adjustment. Understanding how these factors interact is essential for explaining delinquent behaviour.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the relationships between the five personality traits, peer attachment, and adolescent delinquent behaviour. The study focused on examining the associations between extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness to experience, peer attachment, and delinquent behaviour.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 399 adolescents aged 15-17 years. Standardised instruments were used to assess personality traits, peer attachment, and delinquent behaviour. Stepwise regression analysis was employed to determine the relative contributions of personality dimensions and peer attachment associated with delinquent behaviour.

Results: Extraversion and neuroticism were positively associated with delinquency, whereas openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were negatively associated with delinquent behaviour. Peer attachment also showed a negative association with delinquency. Regression analysis identified conscientiousness as the strongest negative association, whereas extraversion showed the strongest positive association in the final regression model.

Conclusion: Personality traits and peer attachment were significantly associated with adolescent delinquent behaviour. These findings highlight the potential importance of strengthening self-regulation, emotional well-being, and positive peer relationships in efforts to reduce delinquent behaviour and promote healthier adolescent development.

Keywords: Adolescent; Conscientiousness; Delinquent behaviour; Peer attachment; Personality
Conflicts of interest:

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Received: April 19, 2026; Revised: August 6, 2026; Accepted: September 22, 2026; Prepublished online: September 25, 2026 

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