Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between parenting practices reported by delinquents and adolescents' delinquency. In this study, parenting practices were delineated into four dimensions as monitoring, discipline, positive parenting, fostering of impasse managing and problem solving skills. The subjects were 34 juvenile delinquents who were detained at a correctional institution of adolescents delinquency. Counselors interviewed all the subjects. Analysis of content has been done by the researchers. The parenting practices reported by the juvenile delinquents are highly associated with the delinquency. Poor monitoring appears to be a critical element in the development of delinquency specially at the beginning stage of the delinquency. As the peers' influence and power increase, the influence of parental discipline dwindles. Positive parenting, fostering desired behaviors such as social, academic, work skills and normative values contributes to prevention of delinquency. The failure for the children and adolescents to acquire adequate problem-solving and impasse management skills appears to be associated with the development of delinquent behavior.