The relationship between a lower socioeconomic background and delinquent behaviour among youth: the role of parental monitoring and self-control

Abstract

Adolescents who grow up in a lower socioeconomic status neighbourhood are more likely to show delinquent behaviour. Since delinquency has a negative impact on the individual and on society, it is important to take a closer look at the risk factors for delinquency. This study analysed the relationship between SES and delinquency among adolescents and evaluated the mediating role of parental monitoring as well as the moderating role of self-control within this relationship. The current study selected the sample adolescents from the TRAILS-study at three waves (T1: N=2229, 49.3% boys, Mage = 11.1; T2: N = 2148, 49.1% boys, Mage = 13.6; T3: N = 1818, 47.7% boys, Mage = 16.3). TRAILS is a longitudinal study where self-reported and parent-reported questionnaires were used to assess the extent of delinquent behaviour, SES, parental monitoring, and self-control. The results showed that there was no main effect, no mediating role of parental control, and no moderating role of self-control on the relationship between SES and delinquent behaviour. However, the results showed that poor parental monitoring and low self-control were significant predictors of delinquent behaviour, which suggests that delinquent behaviour among adolescents could be prevented or reduced by the degree of parental monitoring and self-control.