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15-05-2021 | Empirical Research

Empathy as a Mediator of the Relationship between Authoritative Parenting and Delinquent Behavior in Adolescence

Auteurs: Marlon Goering, Sylvie Mrug

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Youth and Adolescence | Uitgave 7/2021

Abstract

The characteristics of authoritative parenting, including high parental nurturance and appropriate control, are protective against adolescents’ delinquency. However, the mediating psychological mechanisms are not well understood. This three-wave longitudinal study with 704 adolescents (52% males; 76% African American) investigated empathy at age 13 as a mediator of the prospective association between authoritative parenting (child’s disclosure and parental nurturance) at age 11 with delinquency at age 18. The results of a structural equation model revealed a significant indirect effect of authoritative parenting on delinquency through empathy. Authoritative parenting at age 11 predicted increased empathy at age 13, which then predicted decreased delinquency at age 18. These findings suggest that authoritative parenting reduces adolescents’ delinquency by promoting empathy.

vorige artikel An Evaluation of Dual Systems Theories of Adolescent Delinquency in a Normative Longitudinal Cohort Study of Youth

volgende artikel Race/Ethnicity, Parental Support, and Youth Depressive Symptoms: A Moderated Longitudinal Mediation Analysis

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Titel: Empathy as a Mediator of the Relationship between Authoritative Parenting and Delinquent Behavior in Adolescence
Auteurs: Marlon Goering
Sylvie Mrug
Publicatiedatum: 15-05-2021
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Youth and Adolescence / Uitgave 7/2021
Print ISSN: 0047-2891
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-6601
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-021-01445-9

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