Trajectories of delinquency and parenting styles.
We investigated trajectories of adolescent delinquent development using data from the Pittsburgh Youth Study and examined the extent to which these different trajectories are differentially predicted by childhood parenting styles. Based on self-reported and official delinquency seriousness, covering ages 10-19, we identified five distinct delinquency trajectories differing in both level and change in seriousness over time: a nondelinquent, minor persisting, moderate desisting, serious persisting, and serious desisting trajectory. More serious delinquents tended to more frequently engage in delinquency, and to report a higher proportion of theft. Proportionally, serious persistent delinquents were the most violent of all trajectory groups. Using cluster analysis we identified three parenting styles: authoritative, authoritarian (moderately supportive), and neglectful (punishing). Controlling for demographic characteristics and childhood delinquency, neglectful parenting was more frequent in moderate desisters, serious persisters, and serious desisters, suggesting that parenting styles differentiate non- or minor delinquents from more serious delinquents.
Hoeve
Machteld
M
Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NWO-NSCR), Leiden, The Netherlands.
Blokland
Arjan
A
Dubas
Judith Semon
JS
Loeber
Rolf
R
Gerris
Jan R M
JR
van der Laan
Peter H
PH
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D001318:Authoritarianism; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003415:Crime / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D010414:Pennsylvania; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011678:Punishment / Q000523:psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013800:Theft / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data