Perceived Parenting Style and Juvenile Delinquency: A comparative analysis of delinquents and non-delinquents

Abstract

The main objective of the present research was to explore the differences in the perceived parenting styles i.e., authoritarian, authoritative and permissiveness, among delinquent and non-delinquent adolescents. Perceived parenting style is directly related with behavioral problems and delinquency among adolescents. The sample (n=92) of juvenile delinquents (n=46) was taken from Hyderabad jail. A matched random sample of non-delinquents (n=46) was also taken from Hyderabad. The age range of the respondents was 15-19 years. Findings revealed significant differences in the perceived parenting style among delinquents and non-delinquents. Delinquents perceived more authoritarian paternal and permissive maternal parenting style as compared to non-delinquents. Findings have implications for the effective parenting and its influence on reducing delinquency among youngsters.