Teenagers’ motorcycle gang community aggression from the Personal Fable and risk-taking behavior perspective

INTRODUCTION: The number of criminal acts committed by teenagers who are members of the motorcycle gang community in the Makassar City of Indonesia continues to increase at an alarming rate. Among the antisocial behaviors of teenagers in motorcycle gangs which might lead to criminal behavior is aggression. This study aimed to examine the aggression of teenagers in the motorcycle gang community in one area of Makassar City from the Personal Fable (dimensions of omnipotence, uniqueness and invulnerability) and risk-taking behavior perspective. METHODS: Data were obtained through survey research involving 110 participants. Data collection tools included Personal Fable questionnaires, risk-taking behavior questionnaires, and aggression questionnaires. Multiple linear regression analysis resulted in a R square value of 0.516 (p=0.00). RESULTS: The results show that the Personal Fable, especially the dimensions of invulnerability, and risk-taking behavior had remarkable contributions in the adolescent aggression score, while the omnipotence and uniqueness dimensions of the Personal Fable were not found as significant predictors. CONCLUSION: The results implied that perceived invulnerability and tendency to engage in risky behavior could markedly predict juvenile aggression. Social intervention aimed at adolescents’ talent and potential development is necessary to channel the destructive tendency of motorcycle gang members into a more favorable hobby.