Violent and delinquent youths: Relationships with institutional authorities and compliance with social norms

Society is based on a set of norms and rules, compliance with which ensures the survival of that society. Within psychology, the two main issues of compliance with social norms are exhibition of violent behaviour and cooperation with authorities in order to promote further compliance. Extensive research suggests that among other social and psychological factors, relationships with institutional authorities are one of the most prominent factors of compliance in childhood and adolescence. In this chapter we discuss the research available on the role of authorities and warning signs associated with violence and cooperation with institutional authorities. Finally, we explore theories proposed to explain the relationship between compliance and authorities, as well as their relevance to prevention of non-compliance with social norms. In short, this chapter outlines research and theory suggesting that negative experiences with authorities lead to negative attitudes to authorities and norms regarding compliance. In turn, these attitudes and norms lead to exhibition of violent behaviours and lower cooperation with authorities. As such, we suggest that focusing resources on improving the relationships between authorities and youth will prevent non-compliance with social norms, namely, violence and non-cooperation with authorities. Estefanía Estévez nad Marina Rachitskiy 15