Aggression and Delinquency: Family and Environmental Factors

• NCJ Number: 113446
• Journal: Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 17 Issue: 3 Dated: (June 1988) Pages: 233-246
• Author(s): L F DiLalla; C M Mitchell; M W Arthur; P M Pagliocca
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 14 pages
• Grant Number(s): 199505; HD07289; RR-07013-20
• Sponsoring Agency: University of Virginia; National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD); Biomedical Research Support Grant Program
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Juvenile delinquency has become an increasing concern to society; aggressive behaviors are particularly harmful. This study examined parent and youth behaviors and personality types that may influence delinquent and aggressive behaviors.

Abstract

Youths were referred by the court to an intervention program; ratings of delinquency and aggression were derived from parent reports, self-reports, and court referral data. Results showed that high parent ratings of youth aggressiveness were related to high turmoil in the home and to youths' positive opinions of delinquent peers, while high aggressiveness of the youths' referring offenses was related to lax punishment. Developmentally, this suggests that in adolescence both the peer group and home influences are important in shaping different aspects of the youths' aggressive and delinquent behaviors. (Author abstract)