Examining the Influence of Parental Behavior on Adolescent Problem Behavior

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which parents’ behaviors influence to an adolescent’s involvement in the juvenile justice system. Previous research suggests, adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system seem to lack conformity to rules and regulations and avoid responsibility of their actions. This research examined the aspect of parental influence as a variable for continual problem behavior of their child’s propensity to recidivate. The research variables of parental influence in this study included: frequency of parental/family visitation, the age of youth, and family characteristic (rigid parenting, smothering parenting, and discipline lacking parenting) as it relates to adolescent involvement in the juvenile justice system. Previous research included parental and family influences on adolescent moral and identity development. However, this study expanded the current research in this area for further development of family programs. Also, this study discusses the impact of the aforementioned variables and recommendations for further research on family factors of adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system. Previous research discussed adolescent moral and behavioral development as a pre-curser to adult incarceration. Archival data used in the study was provided by the Texas Department of Youth Services. Data was previously gathered by the Texas Department of Youth Services through the following methods; observations and questionnaires. The researcher analyzed the identified variables to ascertain significance, if any, between the research variables. The researcher determined implications for future family program development for adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system and their parents.