The Causal Relationship with Delinquent Behavior - Essay Example

The study conducted by Simons & Conger also predicted, based on previous literature, that authoritative parenting would breed better-adjusted adolescents about academics or the broader social environment. However, this article predicted that having two authoritative parents would be rare considering the dimensions of adult-based control needs that would negate both parents taking an authoritative role. The article identifies neglectful parenting styles versus authoritarian styles, with modifications for a variety of combinations of both styles.

This study’s methodology differed and involved questionnaires filled out by key sample participants and then a follow-up observational approach using videotape as documentation. Important dimensions of this sample’s self-reporting dealt with perceptions of hostility in the home, monitoring, and parenting style. This gave this particular study more variables to consider about whether delinquent behavior was a causal relationship to deviant youths.

Both articles seem to reinforce that neglectful parenting styles or those with dissociative methods have the highest instances of delinquent behavior. Hoeve et al. reinforce that having two authoritative parents, regardless of their rarity, produces more well-adjusted and non-delinquent children. This is supported by the analysis from observational research and when considering the self-reporting conducted on key sample participants.

The study by Simons & Conger also indicates that there may be variables outside of parenting style that determine whether the adolescent becomes delinquent or remains an overall disaster. For example, the results indicated that some youths from non-supportive, neglectful parenting structures have the same characteristics as non-delinquent youths and remain committed to well-adjusted goals. However, this group that maintained similar characteristics to non-delinquent youths tended to conduct more delinquent behavior earlier in life than other sample participants. This could identify that some elements of delinquent behavior are bred during the formative years of cognitive development in youths and are not necessarily related to parenting style.

The article by Simons & Conger also indicated that more indulgent parents, when assessed by trained observers, are not necessarily keen on their actual parenting attributes. The observers found parenting styles that differed from self-reports in terms of the actual level of indulgence identified by the parents themselves. This leaves interesting future research potential regarding parenting styles with a more streamlined focus and a different methodology that avoids self-reporting and uses experimental design instead. Read More