NCJ Number
109059
Journal
Psychological Reports Volume: 53 Dated: (1983) Pages: 223-228
Date Published
1983
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship between fathers' absence (no father or father figure living in the home for a minimum of 2 consecutive years between the juveniles' second and twelfth birthdays) and moral maturity in data for 40 adjudicated male delinquents, ages 12 to 17, in Ohio.
Abstract
Both groups were administered Form B of Kohlberg's Moral Judgment Interview. Results indicate that fathers' absence had a significant effect on moral development. Boys whose fathers were absent were functioning at Stage 1 or 2 of the preconventional level, while boys whose fathers had been present were functioning between the upper stage of the preconventional level and the lower stage of the conventional level. Subjects whose fathers were absent and those who had committed violent crimes were functioning at lower levels than those whose fathers were present or those who had committed nonviolent crimes, but there was no relationship between fathers' absence and violent crime per se. Compared to norms, delinquents in both groups showed lower levels of moral development. 3 tables and 20 references.