NCJ Number
221836
Journal
Criminal Justice Review Volume: 32 Issue: 4 Dated: Decmber 2007 Pages: 380-400
Date Published
December 2007
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The goal of this analysis was to explore the effects of parental and peer relationships on youth delinquency.
Abstract
The results of this study are consistent with prior research suggesting that parents and peers matter in determining youth delinquency relationships and delinquency. Result highlights include: (1) insight into the role of family structure in explaining delinquent behavior; no significant direct or indirect effects on subsequent serious delinquency were found when comparing single-parent households to two-parent households; (2) the role of parental supervision is an important component for effectively addressing antisocial behavior; and (3) in addition to its mediating effects and consistency with differential association and social learning theories, association with delinquent peers increased the likelihood of delinquent behavior. These findings show that it appears that strong family relationships and parental supervision can reduce the chances of negative relationships between youth; however, friends are strong models of delinquent behavior. Comprehensive delinquency prevention strategies are needed to focus on ameliorating risk factors and reinforcing protective factors from within multiple domains. Family context has been identified as a central domain in the study of delinquency, particularly during early childhood. As youth enter adolescence, peer associations become a much stronger influence. Using a sample of preadolescent youth, this research examined the effect of family and peer relationships on delinquency. Tables, appendix, notes, and references