The Influence of Family Structure on Delinquent Behavior

AuthorCashen M. Boccio,Kevin M. Beaver
Published date01 January 2019
DOI10.1177/1541204017727836
Date01 January 2019
Subject MatterArticles
Article
The Influence of Family Structure
on Delinquent Behavior
Cashen M. Boccio
1
and Kevin M. Beaver
1,2
Abstract
Previous research has linked changes in family structure (especially parental divorce) with invol-
vement in juvenile delinquency. Comparatively less research has attempted to examine the long-
term impact of shifts in family structure on delinquent and criminal involvement. The current study
addresses this gap in the literature by examining the influence of changes in family structure during
adolescence on delinquent involvement both cross sectionally and longitudinally. Our findings
revealed a small and only temporary association between changes in family structure and adolescent
delinquency. We discuss the implications of these results for future research.
Keywords
delinquency, crime, divorce, family structure
The relationship between family structure and delinquency has been extensively studied across a
variety of different fields. In general, research suggests that parental divorce is associated with an
array of negative consequences including psychological problems, reduced mental health, reduced
academic performance and achievement, and increased involvement in juvenile delinquency
(Amato, 2001, 2010; Amato & Keith, 1991a; Brown, 2006; Juby & Farrington, 2001; Price & Kunz,
2003; Rebellon, 2002; Spohn & Kurtz, 2011; Vanassche, Sodermans, Matthijs, & Swicegood, 2014).
Due to the negative consequences associated with parental divorce, some scholars contend that
experiencing parental divorce in c hildhood or adolescence may be linke d with adjustment and
behavioral problems, including criminal behavior, throughout the remainder of the life course
(Amato & Keith, 1991b; Wadsworth, Maclean, Kuh, & Rodgers, 1990).
The association between parental divorce and delinquency is of particular interest due to patterns
of changes in family structure and increases in rates of divorce over the last century. For instance, the
current divorce rate is 16.9 per 1,000 married women in the United States (Anderson, 2016). To put
this number in perspective, as of the year 2000, approximately 43–46%of marriages were predicted
to end in divorce (Schoen & Canudas-Romo, 2006). Divorce rates hovering around 40–45%indicate
that a large number of children will grow up in households compromised by divorce. For example,
1
College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
2
Center for Social and Humanities Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Corresponding Author:
Cashen M. Boccio, College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University, 145 Convocation Way, Eppes Hall,
Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
Email: cb13b@my.fsu.edu
Youth Violence and JuvenileJustice
2019, Vol. 17(1) 88-106
ªThe Author(s) 2017
Article reuse guidelines:
sagepub.com/journals-permissions
DOI: 10.1177/1541204017727836
journals.sagepub.com/home/yvj
recent U.S. Census data indicate that approximately 35–37%of U.S. children grow up in nontradi-
tional households with either a single parent or a nonbiological parent (e.g., stepparents or grand-
parents) (U.S. Census Bureau, 2016; Vespa, Lewis, & Kreider, 2013). Considering the large number
of children growing up in broken homes, a significant association between parental divorce and later
deviant behavior would suggest that changes in family structure may contribute to an increase in
criminal behavior in the population.
Parental Divorce and Delinquent Behavior
A body of research has examined the relationship between parental divorce and delinquent behavior.
Several meta-analyses examining this research have revealed that there is a positive association
between parental divorce and delinquent behavior, meaning that children with divorced parents are
more likely to be involved in delinquent behavior (Amato, 2001; Amato & Keith, 1991a; Price &
Kunz, 2003; Wells & Rankin, 1991). One of the first of these meta-analyses revealed that having
divorced parents is associated with any array of negative childhood outcomes (e.g., including
misbehavior, aggression, and delinquency); however, the magnitude of these associations was
relatively small (Amato & Keith, 1991a). In addition, a meta-analysis by Wells and Rankin
(1991) that examined 50 studies found that parental divorce was associated with a 10–15%increase
in the likelihood of delinquent behavior. Taken together, the existing literature seems to indicate that
parental divorce is associated with negative outcomes including delinquency.
While parental divorce has been linked with later behavioral problems, the explanation for this
relationship remains unclear. Numerous scholars have attempted to explain the association
between parental divorce and negative outcomes using psychological or criminological theory.
For instance, scholars from the field of psychology have suggested that the relationship between
parental divorce and negative outcomes can be explained by the family conflict and trauma
experienced by children in broken homes (Amato, 1993). Specifically, these scholars suggest that
experiencing family conflict and a hostile home environment increases stress and anxiety in
children leading to poorer psychological adjustment and negative life outco mes (Amato, 1993).
In contrast, some scholars have argued that the association between parentaldivorce and negative
outcomes can be explained by parental absence. Parentalabsence is predicted to be associated with
negative outcomes as it results in the removal of resources from the home leading to lower
socioeconomic status (SES), less parental supervision, less parental attention and s upport, and
decreased attachment to parents (Amato, 1993; Amato & Keith, 1991a). This subsequent lack of
resources due to parental absence may then impair the custodial parent’s (usually the mother’s)
ability to adequately supervise and provide educational resources for their children leading to
deviant behavior and poorer life outcomes.
The parental absence perspective also falls in line with several criminological theories that have
been suggested to explain the relationship between parental divorce and delinquent behavior (Juby
& Farrington, 2001; Rebellon, 2002; Spohn & Kurtz, 2011). Control theory, for instance, suggests
that experiencing parental divorce impairs the bonds between parents and their children increasing
the likelihood that children will engage in delinquent behavior. Similarly, the removal of a parent
from the household reduces the ability of the parents to exert direct control over their children’s
behavior—freeing the children to engage in deviant behavior. Social learning theory may also
explain the relationship between parental divorce and juvenile delinquency, as children from
divorced families, with reduced levels of parental monitoring, may spend more time associating
with delinquent peers. On the other hand, strain theory, falling more in line with the family conflict
argument, suggests that parental divorce exposes children to strain (both psychological and physical)
and therefore increases the likelihood that they will engage in deviant behavior (Spohn & Kurtz,
2011). All three of these criminological explanations have received some empirical support. For
Boccio and Beaver 89

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT