Impact of Absent Father-Figures on Male Subjects and the Correlation to Juvenile Delinquency: Findings and Implications

This study was predicated on the belief that a father brings something unique to the family, thus, making irreplaceable contributions to the life of a child. Fathers are unique in that they provide something different from mothers. They are irreplaceable because when they are absent, children are said to suffer emotionally, intellectually, socially, and behaviorally. The contributions of fathers to a child's well being cannot be fully replaced by better programming, ensuring child support programs, or even by well-intentioned mentoring programs. A review of literature relevant to delinquency and adolescent behavioral and academic success revealed that there may be a correlation between a male role-model and the teaching of self-control and socially appropriate behaviors. Indeed, much of what the large body of research pertaining to fatherhood reveals is that, compared to children raised in two-parent homes, children who grow up without their fathers have significantly worse outcomes, on average, on almost every measure of well being (Horn, 2002). In addition, an understanding of the factors that may influence delinquent behaviors, in particular within the family unit, can better equip parents and educators to support those who may be exhibiting the beginning signs of delinquent behavior. This study was designed to determine the influence of, or correlation between, juvenile delinquency and the presence or absence of a father-figure in a child's life. Responses made on the Delinquency Check List between two sample sets, delinquent and non-delinquent adolescents, were examined. The study attempted to determine if delinquent activity among adolescents was differentiated by the absence or presence of a father-figure in a child's life. This study also investigated the frequency and severity of delinquent activities between adolescents in the determined sample groups.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2003

Author dc:creator

• Eastin, Jennifer Flood

Contributors dc:contributor

• Bullock, Lyndal M.
• Huffman, Jane B.
• Combes, Bertina H.
• Kinnison, Lloyd

• Fathers and sons.
• Absentee fathers.
• Juvenile delinquency.
• Absent fathers
• delinquency
• self-reported delinquency
• adjudicated youth
• father-figures

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Eastin, Jennifer Flood
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 53478037
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc4332/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc4332

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc4332