Exploring the effects of parenting practices on behaviors that predispose learning disabled youth to delinquent behavior
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to build upon the existing knowledge pertaining to learning disabilities and delinquency by focusing on parenting practices that have been identified as positive. More specifically, this study explored the relationship between these parenting practices and behaviors, exhibited by learning disabled youth, that have been identified as precursors to delinquency. Data were collected and analyzed from 207 parent surveys measuring five parenting practices: awareness of learning disability; knowledge of child's strengths and weaknesses; involvement in child's education; provision of opportunities for success; and monitoring child's behaviors. The behaviors that predispose learning disabled youth to delinquency were: poor attendance in school; poor academic performance; social and emotional problems identified by parents as resulting from the learning disability; and associations with delinquent peers. Gender, family income, and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) were identified as antecedent variables and their relationship to each of the child behaviors was examined. Parents, who identified themselves in the lowest family income category were more likely to report that their child had fair or poor attendance in school. Parents who reported that their child had ADD were more likely to also report that their child associated with delinquent peers. When family income and ADD status were controlled for in the analyses of parenting practices and child behavior, parents, who were more involved in their child's education, were more likely to report that their child's attendance was excellent. Beyond this measure of parenting, positive parenting practices, as defined for this study, did not appear to have a significant impact upon reducing the behaviors that predispose a learning disabled child to delinquency. Implications for social work practice, with families of learning disabled youth, are discussed.
Subject Area
Social work|Educational psychology|Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology|Behaviorial sciences|Social psychology
Recommended Citation
Marmo, Robert Charles, "Exploring the effects of parenting practices on behaviors that predispose learning disabled youth to delinquent behavior" (1996). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI9717926.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI9717926
