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Essay on The Lack Of Parental Discipline As A Cause Of Juvenile Delinquency
This longitudinal study examines the prediction of delinquency in early adulthood by family variables and one type of maternal parenting skill during early adolescence. In 132 Caucasian families, family variables (marital status, inter-parental conflict, mother-adolescent relationship, and maternal depressive mood) and maternal communication/problem-solving skills were assessed through self-report measures and behavioral observations during subjects' early adolescence. Outcome measures (minor and severe delinquency, arrests/convictions) were assessed six years later during early adulthood. Regression analyses revealed relationships between the predictors and severe delinquency and arrests/convictions, but not minor delinquency. The interaction of low levels of maternal communication/problem-solving skills and negative family variables (i.e., high maternal depressive mood) was associated with higher rates of delinquency, whereas the interaction of higher levels of such maternal skills and positive family variables was associated with lower rates of delinquency.
The FBI reports that between 1980 and 1990, violent crime arrest rates for 10-17-year-olds increased by 27%, reaching the nation's all-time high (Uniform Crime Reports for the United States, 1991). Strikingly, the overall arrest rate for the 18-24 year age range is almost twice as high as that of youth under age 18. As young adult criminality has reached crisis proportions in the United States, its prevention has become increasingly crucial. Research which clarifies the developmental pathways to criminal behaviors must play a primary role in focusing intervention strategies.
Research examining environmental influences on delinquency has highlighted the impact of the family. Although the majority of these studies have been cross-sectional, family variables have also been examined longitudinally as predictors of later delinquent behavior. Loeber and Stouthamer-Loeber (333-1354) reviewed multidisciplinary longitudinal studies of the relationship between family conditions and delinquency, concluding that parental supervision, parental rejection, and parent-child involvement are among the strongest predictors of conduct problems and delinquent behavior. Parents' marital relations and criminality are moderately strong predictors, while weaker predictors include lack of parental discipline, parental physical/mental health, and parental absence......
