engleski

Family characteristics and relational processes as predictors of delinquent behavior of urban youth

Previous research indicates that juvenile deviant and delinquent behaviours are associated with a number of risk factors related to family characteristics and relationship among parents and children. High quality of youth-parent attachment is associated with less frequents or less serious delinquent behaviour. The study examines relationship between different family characteristics, attachment and frequency and severity of delinquent and deviant behaviour among urban youth. The sample included 1422 urban youth of both gender, aged 13-19. . A comprehensive measure of self-report deviant and delinquent behaviour (43 items) developed for this study was used for measuring delinquency. Individual experiences of early separation, and perceived quality of parental availability, care and support (18 items) were used as an indicator of attachment. In addition to assessing the family risk factors using the usual sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables, family and individual religiosity and religious practices (5 items) were also tapped. Preliminary findings indicate that there is negativne correlation between attachment to mother and father and delinquent behaviour. The correlation between delinquency and early separation was statistically significant. A higher level of delinquency was accompanied by more early separation experiences. Both individual religiosity and frequent religious attendance was shown to be negatively correlated with delinquent behaviour. Knowledge of relational processes, attachment relationship and family arrangements will be discussed related to importance of the early assessment of children at risk and delivery of preventive programmes to families at risk.

delinquent behavior of urban youth; self-report of delinquent behavior; familly

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