Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MACJ)

Department

Criminal Justice, Criminology, & Forensics

First Advisor

Elaine Gunnison

Second Advisor

Peter Collins

Third Advisor

Bonnie Bowie

Abstract

This study examines associations between dietary habits and delinquent behaviors among U.S. adolescents, guided by biosocial and social bond theories. Using multilevel logistic regression analysis of 6,274 participants (ages 11-15) from the 2009/10 Health Behavior in School-aged Children survey, the research investigated relationships between four dietary patterns (breakfast consumption, fruit/vegetable intake, sweets consumption, and soft drink consumption) and five delinquent behaviors (bullying perpetration, physical fighting, alcohol use, cannabis use, and tobacco smoking). Results demonstrate partial support for the hypothesis that healthier dietary habits are associated with lower delinquency. Breakfast consumption emerged as a consistent protective factor across all behaviors (7-15% risk reduction per additional day), while soft drink consumption consistently operated as a risk factor (8-17% increased odds). Fruit and vegetable consumption shows mixed results, with vegetables protecting against cannabis use specifically. Accounting for demographic factors and school-level clustering, findings reveal complex patterns supporting both biosocial and social bond theoretical frameworks. Working with several limitations, this research illuminates mechanisms linking nutrition to adolescent behavior during critical developmental periods. Policy implications for public health, juvenile justice reform, schools, and families are discussed.

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