Juvenile delinquency: A comparative analysis between divorced and married homes

The purpose of this research was to determine if children being raised in divorced homes are more likely to be juvenile delinquents than 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 levels of delinquency rates. It was also determined that the age at the time of parental divorce was not a factor in determining the level of delinquency.