The Impact of Parental Controls on Delinquency

Previous studies have argued that not only indirect controls but also direct controls lessen delinquency. Through a self-report survey of high school youths, the current study attempts to assess this thesis. Supportive of previous studies, the data revealed that even with a range of theoretically salient variables controlled, direct control was inversely related to delinquent involvement. This relationship, however, was stronger and more consistent for males than females. In Causes o f Delinquency, Hirschi (1969) set forth his version of social control theory, arguing that participation in delinquency is explained by the lack of "bonding to conventional society." He contended that there were four elements of the social bond: (1) attachment, such as to family, friends, teachers; (2) commitment to attain conventional goals;