This Study Found That Family Structure Can Impact The Prevalence Of Delinquent Behavior In Kids
A new study conducted by Malmo University in Sweden has found a strong correlation between adolescent delinquency and alternative family structures. These family structures specifically refer to single mother, single father, mother-stepfather, and father-stepmother households.
Previous studies have already found that living with both parents decreases delinquent behavior.
But, this new research forged beyond the simplistic, binary divide to include more modern family structures.
The team synthesized and analyzed cross-sectional survey data from 2016 to 2019. Four total surveys were used, and the respondents resided in southern Sweden.
Respondents were to self-report their own family structure along with any “delinquent” behavior they participated in. These behaviors included graffiti, robbery, shoplifting, etc.
The researchers found that children who live with both their mother and father participate in less delinquent behavior.
Additionally, this trend continued in co-parenting structures where both parents were either single or with new partners.
Children living with a mother and a stepfather showed the highest incident rate ratio (IRR) of delinquency at 2.044. Children living with just their father showed the second-highest IRR at 1.898.
Conversely, children who lived with just their mother or their father and a stepmother displayed a lower prevalence of delinquent behavior.
deagreez – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purpose only, not the actual person
Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
Interestingly, children acted out more in family structures where parents are separated but only one has a new partner.
The researchers refer to these family structures as “asymmetrical” and question whether or not the children either did not accept their new family member or viewed the new relationship as unequal.
This example underscores the team’s beliefs that a deeper understanding of family structures is vital for recognizing the impact on children’s emotions and, in turn, their behaviors.
After all, about thirty percent of American adolescents do not live with both of their parents, according to the United State Census Bureau.
“This study shows that it is important to move on to the use of more detailed categorizations of family structure in relation to delinquency to increase our knowledge about the group of adolescents that moves between parents and especially about the different constellations of asymmetrical and symmetrical living arrangements,” the report concluded.
To read the study’s complete findings, visit the link here.
If true crime defines your free time, this is for you: join Chip Chick’s True Crime Tribe.
More About:Human Interest