Parenting Styles, Family Structure, and Peer Pressure as Predictors of Delinquent Behaviour in Adolescents in Delta North Senatorial District

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of family structure, parenting style, and peer pressure as predictors of delinquent behaviours among adolescents in Delta North Senatorial District using 3 hypotheses that were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. Leveraging the social control theory of Hirschi 1969, the study explored a correlational survey design via a multistage random sampling technique to select 480 male and 480 female respondents. A revised 4-point Likert-scale questionnaire for Family Structure, Parenting Styles, Peer Pressure, and Delinquency Scale (FPPDS) was utilised. The reliability was established using the Cronbach analysis to yield a reliability index (α) of 0.81 for parenting styles, 0.78 for peer pressure, and 0.82 for delinquent behavior. Multi-regression was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05. Results revealed that there is no significant relations between family structure, parenting styles, peer pressure, and adolescent delinquency. In addition, it found no significant moderating impact (i.e. gender and location) on the relations between family structure, parenting style, peer pressure, and delinquency in adolescents. The study recommended for parents to create good family structures by adopting workable and effective parenting styles to help their adolescent children adjust properly and avoid delinquency. Counselors must create peer education programmes to help address peer-pressure issues that will foster a positive peer-influence. Finally, gender and location should not be a major consideration in the development of programmes aimed at managing delinquency.