Differential association-learning theory posits that association with delinquent peers causes delinquency; control theory suggests that the link between delinquent peers and delinquent behavior is spurious, or that delinquent behavior leads to delinquent associates. To examine these competing perspectives, 1,128 secondary school males completed self-report questionnaires providing information about their attachments to parents and peers, the conduct of parents and peers, and about their own delinquent behavior. Analyses of results showed that respondents reporting more negative paternal role models also reported more delinquent behavior. Greater attachment to both parents and peers was related to reports of less delinquent behavior. The relationship between attachment and delinquent behavior held for youths with either negative or positive parent role models. The results imply little or no support for the differential association-learning hypothesis that attachment to a negative role model leads to delinquency. They also imply that a model which accords causal priority to delinquent peer association would explain more variance in delinquent behavior than a strict control model, which assumes that the link between delinquent associates and and delinquent behavior is spurious. (Author/JAC)