Association Between Parental Behavior Control and Youth Antisocial Behavior: an Examination of Age Differences

Abstract

The goals of the study were to examine age differences in behavior control, links between behavior control and youth antisocial behavior, and whether this link was moderated by age. The sample consisted of 214 families with adolescents aged 10-18. Results indicated that behavior control was significantly lower among younger adolescents. It was also evident that parent behavior control was associated with antisocial behavior even after controlling for youth age, sex, ethnicity, and family income. Moreover, the link between parent behavior control and youth antisocial behavior was not moderated by age. In summary, this study broadens theory and research supporting the importance of behavior control during adolescence.