Reconceptualizing Social Bonds for Emerging Adults

Abstract

Social bond theory argues that weak bonds (e.g., relationships, values, activities) with society facilitate engagement in crime and deviance. As these bonds are strengthened, young people grow out of deviance and into prosocial adulthood roles. Social bond theory has four classic components: Attachment, Commitment, Involvement, and Belief. While these components are significant for adolescents and youth, research has yet to examine how social bonds function for young and emerging adults (ages 18–29). This article examines how emerging adults identify and define which social bonds are essential in their transition into prosocial adulthood. Life story interviews were conducted with emerging adults ( n = 30), approximately half of whom have histories of justice system involvement. Themes from interviews inform a reconceptualization of social bond theory for emerging adults focusing on two key elements: (a) Attachment and (b) Commitment Through Involvement.