<![CDATA[Juvenile delinquency remains a significant issue among adolescents and may be influenced by both internal and external factors. Emotional intelligence is considered an important internal factor that helps idividuals manage emotions and control behavior, while peer influence represents an external factor that may shape adolescents’ attitudes and actions. This study aimed to determine the effect of emotional intelligence and peer influence on juvenile delinquency among students at SMK Negeri 1 Kota Jambi. The research employed a quantitative approach with an ex post facto design. The population consisted of all eleventh-grade students of SMK Negeri 1 Kota Jambi, and a sample of 87 students was selected using random sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using multiple linear regression with the assistance of SPSS. The results revealed that emotional intelligence had a negative and significant effect on juvenile delinquency (β = -0.372; p = 0.047), indicating that higher emotional intelligence was associated with lower levels of delinquent behavior. Peer influence had a positive and significant effect on juvenile delinquency (β = 0.663; p = 0.000), indicating that stronger negative peer influence increased the tendency toward delinquent behavior. Simultaneously, emotional intelligence and peer influence significantly affected juvenile delinquency (F = 9.551; p = 0.000) with a coefficient of determination of 18.5%. These findings suggest that improving students’ emotional intelligence and promoting positive peer environments are important strategies for reducing juvenile delinquency among adolescents]]>
