study of relationship between perceived parental marital conflict and deviance in male adolescents

The present study aimed to explore the role of parental marital conflict in development of delinquent tendencies among adolescents. For this purpose perceived parental marital conflict and self reported delinquency was assessed by Urdu version of Marital Conflict Scale [Azam, 2006] and Self-Reported Delinquency Checklist [Rifai and Tariq, 1997] respectively. Our findings reveal a significant correlation between the two variables [r =.877]. Linear Regression analysis was also computed with parental conflict as predictor variable and delinquent tendencies among adolescents as an outcome variable. The analysis indicates that 29.8% variance in the dependent variable can be accounted for, by the predictor. The adolescents with high scores on Self-Reported Delinquency Checklist [SRD] obtained high score on Parental Marital Conflict Scale as compared to adolescents rated medium and low on delinquent tendencies. Results further indicate that self reported delinquency is highest among low socio economic class students as compared to middle and high SES groups. The study highlights the significance of parental relationship for optimal psychological development and mental health of adolescents