NCJ Number
109209
Journal
Journal of Pediatrics Volume: 111 Issue: 6 Dated: Part 1 (December 1987) Pages: 932-936
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study presents data showing a relation between juvenile delinquency and adolescent fatherhood.
Abstract
In this study, researchers examined the relation between fatherhood and school and behavior problems. They used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Work Experience of Youth (NLSY). In 1980, 6,400 young people were interviewed by the NLSY. A total of 367 of the respondents, representing 5.7 percent of the total number interviewed, reported that they had fathered a child before reaching the age of 19 years. The group of fathers was compared with a random selection of 1,000 nonfathers from the NLSY study. The two groups studied differed by race and family socioeconomic characteristics. The researchers found that adolescent fathers had more drug, conduct, and academic problems than did the nonfathers. Adolescent fathers also tended to come from one-parent, low-income families and were frequently from minority groups. The researchers suggest that youngsters from such high-risk families may need not only family planning education but also more comprehensive guidance in assisting them in becoming competent adults. 13 references. (Author abstract modified)