| Across time, the influence of parents and peers appears to change. Early in life, parents have a stronger influence on the development of youth than do their peers. This, however, will change as an individual ages. Using longitudinal data from the Marion County Youth Study (1964-1979), we examine the influence of parents and delinquent associations. Analyses generated through latent growth curve modeling show that although parental influence appears to decrease significantly later in life, parental attachment delays peer formations, thereby reducing delinquent behavior. Reductions in parental influence over time, however, was associated with an accelerated rate of acquiring delinquent peers and individual delinquency. Parents and peers thus appear to be interlocked in an etiological role that produces, or conversely reduces, delinquent behavior.
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Updated 05/20/2006