Delinquent Females' Perceptions of Their Fathers

Abstract

Studies of delinquency repeatedly indicate that fathers are more inJluential than mothers in the development of delinquent behavior in their children. In order to determine the specific nature of the father-daughter relationship among adolescent delinquents, the responses of 90 Georgia delinquents and 85 Oklahoma delinquents concerning their fathers were analyzed. Delinquents from both groups indicated that they were not close to their fathers, and that their fathers were neither very interested in them, loving, kind nor understanding. More favorable perceptions were reflected if fathers were head of the family, average or above average in terms of masculinity, and if daughters felt loved by fathers.