How does current research suggest intelligence, or IQ, influences delinquency?

The assertion that lower IQ influences a child's performance in school, which can affect delinquency, is supported by research that indicates a correlation between cognitive ability and academic achievement. Children with lower IQs may struggle more in school environments, leading to disengagement, frustration, or negative interactions with peers and authority figures. These challenges can create a pathway to delinquent behavior as the individual may seek alternative forms of acceptance or validation outside of academic success.

Furthermore, educational failure can limit opportunities for pro-social engagement and increase the likelihood of associating with peers who engage in delinquent activities. As a result, the influence of lower IQ on school performance can create a cascade of problems that ultimately lead to increased delinquency. This complex relationship highlights the importance of both cognitive abilities and educational environments in shaping behavior, particularly during formative years.