Re-Examining the Association Between Parental Monitoring, Parental Rearing Behaviors, and Family Risk Factors in Influencing Juvenile Delinquency Among Boys and Girls

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parenting practices, parental misbehavior, sociodemographic factors, and juvenile delinquency behavior. The sample consisted of 178 adolescents, aged between 14 and 18 years. Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect data, and multiple regression analysis was conducted to analyze the results. The findings revealed significant gender differences in the predictors of delinquent behavior. The predictors of delinquent behavior for boys were lack of parental monitoring, parental rejection, overprotection, father’s alcohol abuse, and mother’s drug abuse, while none of the predictors were significant for girls. These results underscore the importance of considering gender differences when exploring the factors associated with juvenile delinquency. By addressing parental misbehavior and substance abuse in a dysfunctional parental environment, psychological interventions can help prevent and reduce delinquent behavior in adolescents.