Juvenile delinquency: A comparative analysis between divorced and married homes

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine if children being raised in divorced
homes are more likely to be juvenile delinquents that children being raised in married
homes. Additionally, this study sought to determine if the age of the child during the
divorce further contributes to the likelihood of delinquent behavior. The majority of
previous studies indicate children from divorced homes are more prone to juvenile
delinquency than children from married homes. The sample in this study consisted of
544 participants. Using a self-reporting, anonymous questionnaire, participants were
asked questions about their childhood home structure and their adolescent delinquent
activity. The results of this study indicated children from divorced homes have higher
level of delinquency rates. It was also determined the age at the time of parental divorce
was not a factor in determining the level of delinquency.

Date of Award	2013
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Richard Wilkerson (Supervisor)