NCJ Number
181225
Journal
Adolescence Volume: 34 Issue: 134 Dated: Summer 1999 Pages: 417-436
Date Published
1999
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Data from 124 male adolescents in Jamaica were used to examine the feasibility of using a new theoretical model to determine the association between parenting factors and conduct disorders in this population.
Abstract
The model's components included a psychobiological dimension, which included personality traits and cognitive abilities; a societal dimension, which suggested the involvement of the agencies of socialization such as the family and the school; a social dimension to reflect peer involvement; and a psychological dimension to reflect the extent to which the different systems developed by society to deal with offenders reinforce behavior negatively or positively. The research tested the model to determine whether significant levels of association existed between family-specific factors, peer factors, and biological factors and the severity and development. The study also sought to determine whether the factors could be weighted in terms of their importance. The participants were 124 male adolescents ages 11-18 years. The group included 69 conduct-disordered youths and 55 youths classified as not conduct-disordered. Results of the statistical analysis indicated specific structural and functional family factors that were significantly associated with the presence of conduct disorder. Significant structural variables included the absence of the mother, low contact with the mother, and changes in the youth's living arrangements. The significant functional variable was the presence of negative parental role models. Overall, the findings pointed to the absence of a backup system for families in need or in trouble in relation to schools, social services, or both. Findings suggested the need for policies and programs to address this issue. Figures, tables, and 23 references