The Role of Family Violence in Adolescents’ Delinquency

M. Hajitabar Firouzjaee, Ph D

H. Hajitabar Firouzjaee, Ph D

N. Khoshbakht

S. Mazboohi, Ph D

Research has demonstrated that children and adolescents are more vulnerable to violence-related injuries than other groups due to the lack of emotional development, a fact which leads to their high delinquency rates. Hence, the present study aimed to identify the relationship between family violence against high school students and their delinquency in the city of Babol in 2012-2013 academic year. The study had a descriptive correlational design. The statistical population of the research comprised all high school boys and girls in Babol (3750 students including 1835 male and 1915 female). Based on Krejcie-Morgan Table and though random stratified sampling method, 351 students (179 female and 172 male) were selected as the statistical sample. The instrumentation included a self-devised 16-item violence questionnaire as well as a 35-item delinquency questionnaire whose validity was verified by the specialists of criminal law, criminology, sociology, psychology, and measurement. The reliability of the questionnaires was calculated to 0.85 and 0.78 respectively by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient, independent t-test, and analysis of variance) were used to analyze the data. Results showed that there was a positive, significant relationship between family’s mental, physical and verbal violence against students and their delinquency. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in students’ delinquency based on their gender and parent’s education level; however, no meaningful difference was found based on their place of residence.

Key words: delinquency; psychological, physical and verbal violence