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Family Attachment and Delinquency

NCJ Number
162790
Author(s)
C Smith; A W Weiher; W B Van Kammen
Date Published
Unknown
Length
28 pages
Annotation
The family plays a primary role in shaping the behavior of youth in society; as children develop, parents create the setting in which central values and expectations of the wider society are transmitted.
Abstract
While specific parenting behaviors such as supervision affect child behavior, children are also restrained from acting out natural but illicit wishes and temptations by general emotional attachments to their parents. Likewise, feelings of affection expressed between parents and children are important indicators of how much parental rules standards matter to children. Children who are strongly attached to their parents during childhood and adolescence are less likely to engage in delinquent activities and drug abuse. The role of positive family relations as an important buffer against delinquency and drug use is a central feature of several criminological theories. Additionally, empirical studies of children and adolescents show a strong association between the attachment children feel for their parents and reduced delinquency. The way in which parent- child relationships change over the lifespan was examined, based on projects in Rochester, Pittsburgh, and Denver. Youth attachment to family was assessed, and delinquency was measured by examining the prevalence of street crimes and drug use. Results demonstrated a consistent relationship between attachment to family and street delinquency. Young people who perceived low attachment to their parents were significantly more likely to engage in drug use than those with higher attachment. Results of longitudinal analysis showed a relationship between attachment and delinquency. Weak attachment was associated with later delinquency, and delinquency was associated with subsequently reduced attachment. The general relationship between attachment to parents and delinquency, however, was not particularly strong. Policy implications of the findings are discussed. 8 references, 6 tables, and 4 figures