Taking it to the Next Level: Multilevel Modeling and the Effect of School-Level Differences in Moral Neutralization on Individual-Level Delinquency Growth in Early Adolescence

Abstract

Based on previous research and a theoretical model which states moral neutralization is learned through interaction with others, it was hypothesized that moral neutralization would promote an accelerated rate of delinquent growth during the middle school years, while a related concept, cognitive impulsivity, would not. Using multilevel modeling with 3,166 youth (1,538 boys, 1,628 girls) from the Gang Reduction Education and Training (GREAT) study, the effects of school level moral neutralization and cognitive impulsivity on delinquent growth were evaluated over a period of 18 to 21 months. Multilevel modeling produced results consistent with the conclusion that only moral neutralization moderated the temporal rise in delinquency once age, sex, race, treatment condition, and individual-level measures of moral neutralization and cognitive impulsivity were controlled.