THE EFFECTS OF SINGLE-MOTHER FAMILIES AND NONRESIDENT FATHERS ON DELINQUENCY AND SUBSTANCE-ABUSE IN BLACK-AND-WHITE ADOLESCENTS

In this study, we examine the impact of single-other families and nonr esident father's involvement in single-mother families on delinquency, heavy drinking, and illicit drug use in Black and White adolescents b y gender. The study is based on a representative household sample of o ver 600 adolescents and their parents, Using adolescent reports of sup port as an indicator of nonresident father involvement we find that fo r White adolescent males, nonresident father involvement buffers the n egative effects of single-mother families on delinquency, heavy drinki ng, and illicit drug use. Indeed, the highest rates of problem behavio r are found among White male adolescents in single-mother families wit hout the support of a nonresident father. However, for Black male adol escents, we find fewer problem behaviors when nonresident fathers are not involved in single-mother families.