Correlates of Juvenile Delinquency: The Role of Family Environment and Self- Esteem

Abstract: The study aims to explore the relationship between family environment and self-esteem of delinquents and non delinquents. Sample comprised of 50 delinquents within the age range of 14 to 16 years. Data was gathered by using Self Esteem Inventory (Prasad and Thakur, 1977) and Family Environment Scale (Moos and Moos 1986). For delinquents, findings indicated a negative and significant correlation between desirable aspect of self esteem and cohesion in family environment. For non delinquents, a positive and significant correlation between desirable aspect of self esteem and cohesion in family environment was observed. Non delinquents from highly cohesive, moderate control and less conflict families were higher on desirable aspect of self esteem and reverse was true for delinquents. Results revealed that delinquents and non delinquents differ significantly from each other on the two dimensions of self esteem (i.e. desirable and undesirable) with non delinquents reporting higher self esteem as compared to their delinquent counterparts. Cohesion in family environment played a differential and significant role towards their self esteem. Delinquents have reported significantly higher levels of cohesion conflict and control in their families