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Delinquent-oriented attitudes mediate the relation between parental inconsistent discipline and early adolescent
Linda C Halgunseth1, Daniel F Perkins, Melissa A Lippold
1Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, 99 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06702, USA. linda.halgunseth@uconn.edu
Summary
Parental inconsistent discipline can foster delinquent attitudes in adolescents. These attitudes may then lead to increased antisocial behavior and decreased social competence in early adolescence.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Behavior Studies
- Family Dynamics Research
Background:
- Parental inconsistent discipline is linked to adolescent behavior problems.
- Mechanisms connecting inconsistent discipline to adolescent behaviors require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the mediating role of delinquent-oriented attitudes in the relationship between inconsistent discipline and adolescent behaviors.
- To understand how inconsistent discipline influences antisocial and socially competent behaviors in early adolescence.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design with 324 rural adolescents and their parents.
- Data collected across sixth, seventh, and eighth grades.
- Statistical analysis to assess mediation effects.
Main Results:
- Inconsistent discipline in sixth grade predicted increased delinquent-oriented attitudes by seventh grade.
- Delinquent-oriented attitudes predicted increased antisocial behaviors and decreased social competence by eighth grade.
- Delinquent-oriented attitudes partially mediated the link between inconsistent discipline and later adolescent behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Acceptance of delinquency may develop from inconsistent parental discipline.
- This pathway offers a potential explanation for increased antisocial and decreased social competence in early adolescents.
- Findings support family-based interventions to reduce adolescent behavior problems and enhance social skills.
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