Parents, Partners, and Peers: Relationships As a Bridge Between Youth Delinquency and a Positive Future

Drawing from the Pathways to Desistance study (N = 1,354), this study longitudinally investigates how parental, romantic, and peer relationships differentially impact adolescent offending and perceptions of future success. Findings suggest delinquency and relationship quality strongly shape youth behavior and future outlook, with positive relationships boosting expectations and reducing offending.