Evaluation of sociodemographic characteristics, perceived family functioning and parental attitudes in delinquent children


Ogut O., Dursun Y., ŞİŞMANLAR Ş. G., COŞKUN A., Sari U.

ANADOLU PSIKIYATRI DERGISI-ANATOLIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY, vol.21, no.5, pp.531-536, 2020 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 21 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.5455/apd.82287
  • Journal Name: ANADOLU PSIKIYATRI DERGISI-ANATOLIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, EMBASE, Psycinfo, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.531-536
  • Kocaeli University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objective: The family, the smallest unit of the society, is one of the most important environmental factors in juvenile delinquency. Family's enough effort in areas where they need to function is considered as preventive and protective in the emergence of delinquency. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics of children, parental attitudes and the family functioning with juvenile delinquency. Methods: This study consisted of 30 children (case group) aged 12-18 years, who were dragged into crime and referred to the Child Protection Unit and 30 children (control group) who were not involved in any crime, and age and sex-matched with the case group. We applied the sociodemographic questionnaire, Parenting Style Inventory, and Family Assessment Device to both groups. Results: Twenty-eight (93.3%) of the case group were male. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between juvenile delinquency and the monthly income level of the family. Delinquency history was more common in friends and families of children in the case group. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in the attitudes of the parents and their reporting on family functioning. Conclusion: The study showed findings confirming the relationship between juvenile delinquency with the socioeconomic status, history of any crime in the family and friends, both of which are known to be associated with family functioning.