The Longitudinal Relationship Between Peer Violence and Popularity and Delinquency in Adolescent Boys: Examining Effects by Family Functioning

Abstract

Mapping the relationship of peer influences and parental/family characteristics on delinquency can help expand the understanding of findings that show an interdependence between peer and family predictors. This study explored the longitudinal relationship between two characteristics of peer relationships (violence and perceived popularity) with subsequent individual delinquency and the moderating role of family characteristics (cohesion and parental monitoring) using data from the Chicago Youth Development Study. Participants were 364 inner-city residing adolescent boys (54% African American; 40% Hispanic). After controlling for the effects of age and ethnicity, peer violence is positively related to boys’ delinquency. The effect of popularity depends on parental monitoring, such that the relationship between popularity and delinquency is positive when parental monitoring is low, but there is no relationship when parental monitoring is high. Furthermore, parental monitoring contributes to the relationship between peer violence and delinquency such that there is a stronger relationship when parental monitoring is low. Additionally, there is a stronger relationship between peer violence and delinquency for boys from high cohesive families. Findings point to the value of attention to multiple aspects of peer and family relationships in explaining and intervening in the risk for delinquency. Furthermore, findings indicate the importance of family-focused interventions in preventing delinquency.

Family Functioning and High Risk Adolescents’ Aggressive Behavior: Examining Effects by Ethnicity

“…For example, perhaps the felt sense of low cohesion is more negative when households are intact because the negative experience may be more salient with parental arguments and/or fighting (Amato, 2001). Additionally, parental monitoring may be particularly important for adolescents being raised by a single caretaker because adolescents may spend more time participating in unsupervised activities with peers, which may be particularly risky (Dishion, Andrews, & Crosby, 1995; Henneberger, Durkee, Truong, Atkins, & Tolan, 2013). When direct supervision is not possible, parental monitoring may become particularly important to reduce adolescents’ risk for aggressive behaviors (Demuth & Brown, 2004; Jacobson & Crockett, 2000).…”

Delinquency in Adolescent Girls

“…Furthermore, research has indicated the importance of the parent-child relationship above and beyond parenting practices (Kerr, Stattin, & Engels, 2008). It may be that aspects of family relationships, such as family cohesion (Henneberger et al, 2013) and parental support/attachment (Poole & Regoli, 1979), rather than parenting practices, contribute to the confluence of parent and peer risk factors for girls’ delinquency.…”

“…Additionally, parenting practice constructs, such as monitoring and disciplinary practices and qualities of family relationships (such as cohesion and support) have been linked to risk for delinquency (Patterson, Reid, & Dishion, 1998). Studies have focused on how family influences might set the stage for peer influences on delinquency (Henneberger, Durkee, Truong, Atkins, & Tolan, 2013; Henry, Tolan, & Gorman-Smith, 2001). This research stems from two major theoretical models.…”

“…Moreover, in a few studies the interactive effects of peers and parenting on delinquency as hypothesized by both of the above models have been tested (Henneberger et al, 2013; Henry et al, 2001; Poole & Regoli, 1979; Vitaro, Brendgen, & Tremblay, 2000). Findings from these studies, however, are inconsistent.…”

The Effect of Teach One Reach One (TORO) on Youth Acceptance of Couple Violence

“…In families with low levels of conflict and moderate to high levels of family togetherness, adolescents are more likely to avoid violence or become involved with other deviant behaviors (Henneberger, Durkee, Truong, Atkins, & Tolan, 2013). Our findings support other studies that have had found an association between poorer family functioning and violent behavioral outcomes.…”