NCJ Number
228893
Journal
Journal of Early Adolescence Volume: 29 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2009 Pages: 800-825
Date Published
December 2009
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This study examined latent growth models of parental knowledge of boys' behavior from ages 10 to 15, and whether earlier child or family characteristics were related to intercept and growth in parental knowledge.
Abstract
This study extends prior research on the development and precursors of parental knowledge during the transition to adolescence through the examination of antecedents beginning in early childhood and using a sample of 288 boys at risk for serious antisocial behavior. The study provides novel information about the course of knowledge for these boys during the transition to adolescence, which reveals subtle changes during late childhood and early adolescence. Elements of early parenting and boys' previous externalizing problems appear to contribute to monitoring during the transition to adolescence providing fuel for future programs intended to promote parent-child involvement and prevent youth problem behaviors. The paucity of knowledge on the development and potential antecedents of parental knowledge motivated the initiation of this study, addressing two specific research questions: (1) is there change or growth in parental knowledge during the transition to adolescence and (2) which early risk factors predict initial status and growth in knowledge? The questions were addressed using data from multiple informants and methods, employing boys' reports of parental knowledge and data from parents, teachers, and trained observers to access risk factors in early and middle childhood. Tables, figures, and references