Coercion Theory, Self-Control, and Social Information Processing: Understanding Potential Mediators for How Parents Influence Deviant Behaviors

Abstract

Research has demonstrated that (in)effective parenting influences whether a child/adolescent engages in deviant behaviors; however, research is mixed regarding whether that influence is direct. After a review of theoretical and empirical evidence, parenting factors outlined by several theories appear important in explaining the association between parenting and deviance. More importantly, however, is that the parental influence may not be direct, but rather mediated through a child/adolescent's level of self-control and social information processing skills. As such, evidence suggests that to fully understand the complex association between parenting and deviance, parenting and mediating factors from multiple theories must be explored simultaneously.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jennifer M. Crosswhite

JENNIFER M. CROSSWHITE , Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Family Studies at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Her current research interests include understanding the etiology of deviance. Specifically, examining how parents are influential in child and adolescent deviance, what processes may mediate the parenting–deviance association, and the theoretical advancement regarding these associations.

Jennifer L. Kerpelman

JENNIFER L. KERPELMAN , Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Auburn University. She conducts basic and applied research in the areas of adolescent identity development and adolescents’ relationships with parents, peers, and romantic partners. She also has created multiple resources designed to promote positive youth development, and is directing a 5-year, federally funded evaluation study of a youth-focused relationship education curriculum.