Research on Juvenile Delinquency: Impact of Parental Behaviour and Particular Family Risk Factors
Research conducted by Tatjana Vujović, PhD, from the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Montenegro showed that parental behaviour and family highly influence on delinquent behaviour of the young, especially boys. This research published in a prestigious journal Family in Society, published by Sage Journals (SSCI), analysed how lack of parental supervision, substance abuse by parents and social demographic status of family influences on juvenile delinquency.
This issue is triggered by a worrying recidivism or repetitive criminal behaviour among young delinquents in Europe and USA, shown by statistical data, where is especially underlined the impact of wars in ex-Yugoslavia, including Montenegro, as factors adding up to delinquency. In case of Montenegro, it was stated that in 2021, out of 265 reported juvenile offenders, 103 were indicted, and 101 were convicted with final judgments.
Next to these wider social circumstances, aim of the research was to understand and grasp in particular family factors shaping behaviour of youngsters in Montenegro. Research is carried out on sample of 178 young people, out of which 136 were boys, and 42 girls, aged from 14 to 18 years. Data are collected from the Centre for Social Welfare and Centre for Children and Young People „Ljubović“ in Podgorica. Self-assessment scales have been used in order to estimate delinquent behaviour, lack of parental monitoring, parenthood manner (warmth, rejection, overprotection) and substance abuse by parents.
One of crucial instruments was scale of delinquent behaviour, starting from offences, such as running away from home and school, to serious criminal acts such as selling drugs or attempts pf sexual violence. Respondents answered questions about the frequency of these behaviours over the past year. Factors such as parental education level and family income were also examined, and all results were analysed using statistical methods.
Lack of Monitoring, Overprotection, Addictions
The research results revealed that a lack of parental supervision was a significant predictor of delinquent behaviour in boys, while it did not have the same impact on girls. Boys reported experiencing higher levels of insufficient supervision, highlighting the importance of parental involvement in children’s lives. Additionally, the parents of boys more frequently exhibited patterns of rejection and overprotection, creating a complex relationship between protection and control.
Parental alcohol and drug abuse emerged as strong risk factors for delinquent behaviour, particularly among boys. Alcoholism in fathers and mothers, as well as drug abuse, was directly linked to an increased prevalence of delinquent behaviour. In contrast, these factors did not significantly influence girls, suggesting potential gender differences in how family dynamics shape youth behaviour.
Research also pointed that education level of parents and family income did not influence substantially on delinquency which is opposed to some previous research. Parental warmth, even though important for emotional development, did not appear as a crucial factor in preventing delinquency while rejection and overprotection had a moderate effect.
Gender Differences
Gender differences in the research findings further highlight the complexity of parental influence. Boys more frequently experienced parental rejection, manifested through criticism, emotional distancing, or lack of support. This rejection can heighten feelings of insecurity and frustration, potentially leading to delinquent behaviours. Paradoxically, parents also exhibited higher levels of overprotection toward boys, including excessive care and control. Such overprotection may reduce children’s sense of autonomy and provoke rebellious behaviours as a reaction to the imposed control. Boys also reported a lack of clear parental supervision more often, such as parents being unaware of their activities, friends, or school responsibilities.
For girls, parental rejection, overprotection, and lack of supervision did not have the same significant effect. This suggests that their patterns of delinquent behaviour may be more influenced by broader social and emotional contexts rather than direct parental behaviour.
These differences underscore the need for gender-specific interventions that account for how varying parental behaviour patterns impact boys and girls differently.
Practical Recommendations
Results of this study highlight the need for targeted support programs for families, especially those facing substance abuse issues. Interventions should focus on strengthening parental competencies through education on the importance of supervision and emotional support, preventing delinquent behaviour in youth through programs that promote a healthy family context, and early identification of at-risk families, with a particular emphasis on parental alcohol and drug abuse.