Twenty-First International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Science

Abstract

Youth delinquency and risk behaviors are significant concerns in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). To understand the current state of knowledge, a meta-analysis of studies from the late 1900s to the present reveals that CNMI adolescents engage in a spectrum of delinquent behaviors, ranging from minor infractions to serious offenses. Despite the data collected through periodic surveys (e.g., Youth Risk Behavior Surveys), administrative records, and a limited amount of academic exploration, there remain significant gaps in the literature. The CNMI is largely absent from broader juvenile delinquency research, and few studies have examined the underlying causes or specific issues, such as alcohol and other forms of substance use. Furthermore, cultural and contextual factors uniquely shape youth behavior in the CNMI. The islands’ history of colonial influence, rapid Westernization, and ongoing efforts to preserve Indigenous Chamorro and Refalawash traditions have contributed to inter-generational changes that influence youth risk-taking in an ethnically diverse community. Conventional delinquency theories may not fully capture these dynamics, suggesting the need for more culturally rooted research approaches. New direction in research can incorporate existing findings that consistently highlight the protective role of strong social bonds and community ties. Factors such as parental attachment, particularly maternal attachment, attachment to teachers, and involvement in conventional activities have been associated with lower delinquency rates among CNMI youth. Strengthening family, school, and community in a culturally relevant manner, alongside closing research gaps, is crucial for mitigating youth delinquency in the CNMI.