Which statement about choice theory is correct?

Choice theory posits that individuals make decisions based on a rational evaluation of the potential risks and benefits of their actions. In the context of juvenile delinquency, this suggests that youths engage in delinquent behaviors after weighing the possible rewards against the potential consequences. They are seen not as impulsive actors but as rational decision-makers who consider their options before engaging in criminal or delinquent behavior.

The focus on rational choice emphasizes personal responsibility and the agency of individuals, which stands in contrast to views that attribute delinquency to random occurrences, mental illness, or solely environmental factors. This understanding allows for interventions that target changing the cost-benefit analysis youths might make, through deterrence, increased supervision, or restorative approaches that alter the perceived risks and rewards associated with delinquency.