Investigation of conformity effect towards gang embeddedness in adolescents

Abstract

Gang embeddedness is a key concept for understanding the extent to which students are psychologically and socially tied to a youth gang. However, empirical studies on the factors influencing this involvement remain relatively limited, particularly within adolescent populations. This study aims to analyze the influence of conformity on gang embeddedness in adolescents. The conformity was measured using a scale developed from Myers  with Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.850, while gang embeddedness was measured using a scale based on Pyrooz et al. with Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.948). This study employed a quantitative method with a correlational design. A total of 109 students were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The data were analyzed using simple linear regression. The analysis showed that conformity has a significant positive influence on gang embeddedness (p < .001, β = 0.740). This indicates that the higher an adolescent's level of conformity, the deeper higher their involvement in a gang. This finding underscores the importance of guidance and counseling interventions in schools to develop critical thinking, assertiveness, and independent decision-making skills, thereby enabling adolescents to resist juvenile delinquency of peer pressure.