SINGLE FATHERS, FAMILY STRUCTURE, AND ADOLESCENT MALE DELINQUENCY

Abstract

This follow-up study expands upon the work of Juda (2024) by further exploring the relationship between household structure and delinquent behavior in young adolescent males, with a specific focus on the absence of a biological father. Utilizing data from the Add Health Wave 1 dataset (n= 2,798), this research examines delinquent behavior across three household structures: traditional families (both biological parents present), single-father households (no resident maternal figure), and single-mother households (no resident paternal figure).  The study aims to address the following hypotheses: (H1) males living with a biological father will exhibit lower rates of delinquent behavior; (H2) those in single-mother households will demonstrate higher rates of delinquency; and (H3) there will be no significant difference in delinquency rates between males from traditional families and single-father households.  The results indicate that males in traditional families exhibit significantly lower levels of delinquency compared to their peers in single-parent households.  Supporting Hypothesis 1, the presence of a biological father is associated with reduced delinquency (?? = -0.25, p < .05).  Hypothesis 2 is confirmed, as males in single-mother households show the highest delinquency rates (?? = 0.38, p < .01). Contrary to Hypothesis 3, males in single-father households also demonstrate higher delinquency compared to traditional families, although less so than those in single-mother households (?? = 0.15, p < .05).  The findings will contribute to the existing literature on family dynamics and adolescent behavior, providing valuable insights into the influence of parental presence on youth outcomes.

Keywords: adolescent behavior, biological father absence, delinquency, household structure, single-parent families, youth outcomes Add Health.