Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
7240973 | Journal of Adolescence | 2018 | 9 Pages |
Abstract
Researchers have identified father absence as a contributor to juvenile delinquency. Consequently, politicians and community leaders are making efforts to re-engage fathers. However, it is possible that the presence of fathers is not, in itself, a substantial protective factor and, in some cases, can even be more detrimental than father absence. Employing a diverse sample of male juvenile offenders in the U.S. (ages 13-17), the present study examined the differential effects of absent fathers and harsh fathers on delinquency. Results indicated that youth in the harsh-father group engaged in more offending behaviors and used more substances than youth in the absent-father group. This difference remained even after controlling for the mother-child relationship. Implications of these findings for future research and delinquency prevention programs are discussed.
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Authors
Cortney Simmons, Laurence Steinberg, Paul J. Frick, Elizabeth Cauffman,