Family structure and adolescent delinquency: Examining the influence of parenting and extended family support

Research regarding family structure and delinquency often suggests that adolescents from non-intact homes are associated with more delinquency than adolescents from intact homes. The influence of parenting practices on the above relationship is disputed among researchers. In addition few studies have examined the influence of extended family support. Using data from the National Youth Survey the present study examines parenting practices as a potential mediator between family structure and delinquency. Extended family support is also examined as a potential moderator between single mother families and delinquency. Results suggest that family structure is associated with certain types of delinquency. In addition parental involvement and monitoring may act as mediators between single mother families and certain types of delinquency. Finally, results suggest that extended family support may decrease the association between single mother families and certain types of delinquency and between African American adolescents and certain types of delinquency