Subjects were administered a semistructured, 19-item interview schedule, the Rorshach Test, and an Indian adaptation of Offer's Self-Image Questionnaire. Percentages and chi-square tests were used to assess differences between groups. Compared to controls, delinquents were significantly more likely to have experienced parental deprivation (through death or separation) during their formative years, to have been subjected to severe discipline, and to have felt rejected rather than accepted by parents. In addition, delinquents' family environment was significantly more like to have been characterized by indifferent or poor relationships both between the adolescent and his parents and between the parents. In general, children from such environments tend to be anxious, insecure, hostile, aggressive, and show family psychosexual and ego and super-ego development. This coupled with insecurity and low self-esteem, may be a causative factor in the development of delinquent behaviors. Effective family counseling may prove remedial for these youth. 7 tables and 33 references.