Which Bond Matters More? Assessing the Differential Strengths of Parental Bonding Measures on Adolescent Delinquency Over Time

Abstract

Although Hirschi’s social bonds theory, especially the attachment component, has received a large amount of empirical support in the literature, research has not clarified whether it matters if the juvenile is attached to his or her mother or his or her father. This study addresses this issue by analyzing the impact of three attachment measures—the juveniles’ perceived attachment to their mother, their father, and both parents combined—on self-reported delinquency using a nationally representative data source. Cross-sectional and longitudinal results reveal mixed results. A discussion of the results and directions for future research are presented.