Exploring a Relationship between Parental Supervision and Recidivism among Juvenile Offenders at a Juvenile Detention Facility

Abstract

While there are several studies that have examined the relationship between parenting styles and adolescent delinquent behaviors, there is a scarcity of research investigating the relationship between parental supervision and recidivism among juvenile offenders. This study sought to examine whether a relationship existed between parental supervision and recidivism among juvenile offenders at a detention facility. In determining specific characteristics of parenting styles, a 32-item survey, the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ), was administered to 91 parents who had children detained at a juvenile detention facility. A correlational design utilizing multiple regression analysis was used in this study to show variables that were associated with each other and that were likely to covariate from four constructs: Parental Monitoring/Involvement, Positive Parenting Techniques, Poor Monitoring/Permissive Supervision, and Inconsistent Discipline. From the findings, all four constructs indicated that there is a relationship between parental supervision and recidivism among juvenile offenders at a detention facility. However, the important results of findings indicate a higher level of positive correlation between Poor Monitoring/Permissive parenting and Inconsistent Discipline and increased recidivism.