Family Management Correlates of Antisocial Behavior among Middle School Boys

Abstract

This study examined the family management practices of parents of antisocial and non-antisocial boys. Serving as subjects for the study were 80 fourth-grade boys and their families involved in an extensive longitudinal investigation. Parent management practices including discipline, monitoring, positive reinforcement, involvement, and problem solving were compared. The two groups also were compared across a number of family status variables. Study results indicated between-group differences also were obtained for the status variables associated with adult relationship(s) in the home and father criminal record. Study outcomes are discussed in terms of parent and family contributions to antisocial behavior.