[Family system and delinquant behavior in adolescence in Montréal in 1985.]

This article raises three questions : Has the family unit changed between the mid-70s and the mid-80s? Which characteristics of the family system are the most appropriate indicators of felonious activity? Does the explanation of felonious activity vary according to the sex of an adolescent? Two surveys conducted with Montreal adolescents in 1974 and in 1985 provide the answers. The authors show that the family structure has changed in view of single parenthood, its living conditions have deteriorated, control has been tightened, but emotional relationships have remained the same. The authors have found that the components of a family structure can be related to a precise model ; rebellion precedes delinquency ; didactic methods filter the influence of other family factors ; the psy-chosocial functionning of the family as well as conjugality follow as precipitative factors; finally, structural factors appear to have a remote influence. Also, the authors have noticed a great resemblance between boys and girls with respect to the primordial factors of delinquent behavior. In conclusion, the authors suggest practical involvement, particularly in terms of a diagnostic strategy for family problems, along with intervention strategies according to the type of problem.