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Sibling influences on adolescent delinquent behaviour: an Australian longitudinal study
Abigail A Fagan1, Jake M Najman
1School of Social Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia. a.fagan@mailbox.uq.edu.au
Journal of Adolescence
|September 16, 2003
Summary
Sibling delinquency strongly influences adolescent behavior, even when accounting for childhood aggression and family environment. This effect is more pronounced in males and families with parental arrests.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Developmental Science
Background:
- Adolescent delinquency is a significant concern.
- Sibling relationships are a key factor in adolescent development.
- Previous research has not fully explored sibling influences on delinquency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the influence of sibling delinquency on adolescent behavior at age 14.
- To investigate how sibling influences vary by sex composition of the sibling pair.
- To determine if sibling delinquency effects persist after controlling for other factors.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 374 Australian sibling pairs (same- and mixed-sex).
- Data collected via maternal and self-reports at ages 5 and 14.
- Statistical analyses controlled for childhood aggression and family environment.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between sibling delinquency.
- This association remained significant after controlling for childhood aggression and family environment.
- The influence of sibling delinquency was stronger for males and in families with parental arrests.
Conclusions:
- Sibling relationships play a crucial role in adolescent delinquency.
- Researchers and practitioners should consider sibling influences in prevention strategies.
- The sex composition of sibling pairs and parental criminal history moderate this influence.