K. Klein et al., DELINQUENCY DURING THE TRANSITION TO EARLY ADULTHOOD - FAMILY AND PARENTING PREDICTORS FROM EARLY ADOLESCENCE, Adolescence, 32(125), 1997, pp. 61-80
This longitudinal study examines the prediction of delinquency in earl
y adulthood by family variables and one type of maternal parenting ski
ll during early adolescence. In 132 Caucasian families, family variabl
es (marital status, interparental conflict, mother-adolescent relation
ship, and maternal depressive mood) and maternal communication/problem
-solving skills were assessed through self-report measures and behavio
ral observations during subjects' early adolescence. Outcome measures
(minor and severe delinquency, arrests/convictions) were assessed six
years later during early adulthood. Regression analyses revealed relat
ionships between the predictors and severe delinquency and arrests/con
victions, but not minor delinquency. The interaction of low levels of
maternal communication/problem-solving skills and negative family vari
ables (i.e., high maternal depressive mood) was associated with higher
rates of delinquency, whereas the interaction of higher levels of suc
h maternal skills and positive family variables was associated with lo
wer rates of delinquency.