NCJ Number
139664
Journal
Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: (July 1992) Pages: 107-111
Date Published
1992
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study examined differences in the family relationships of criminals and noncriminals.
Abstract
The study hypothesized that criminals would score low on parental acceptance and score high on parental avoidance compared to the noncriminals. The test used in the study was Sherry and Sinha's Family Relationship Inventory, which measures three dimensions of parental acceptance, concentration, and avoidance. A sample of 30 criminals and 30 noncriminals was administered the test. Of the 30 criminals, 15 had committed violent offenses and 15 had committed nonviolent property offenses. Violent/property offenders were found to be lower on both mother acceptance and father acceptance compared to noncriminals. Although the score difference between noncriminals and violent offenders was significant, it was insignificant between noncriminals and property offenders. The score difference between noncriminals and property offenders was insignificant for mother concentration and father concentration, but a significant difference was found between violent and property offenders. Noncriminals scored significantly lower on both mother avoidance and father avoidance compared to both violent and property offenders. The difference between violent and property offenders was significant on mother avoidance, but insignificant on father avoidance. The study concludes that avoidance, neglect, and rejection by parents, especially the mother, in the early years and in adolescence may lead to low self-esteem, low self-confidence, and higher anxiety, which may lead to negative coping behaviors. 3 tables and 15-item bibliography