Survey of Educational and Social Status (parenting styles, Identity Style) in Delinquent children and Adolescents Compared with normal children and Adolescents in Iran

Due to the complexity and seriousness of crime as a social problem in many communities, this study aims to investigate the social and educational status (comparison of parenting styles, identity styles), and demographic variables in delinquent children, adolescents, and normal people. In this cross-sectional study, 300 children and adolescents who had been selected from centers of Education Reform and Ordinary schools through Random cluster sampling technique, were studied. They completed perceived parenting style questionnaire, identity style questionnaire and demographic questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software and Anova test. Although no significant difference was detected between the two groups in terms of parenting styles, a significant difference was observed between social characteristics, economical status, parent's educational level, family records of imprisonment, and imprisonment period with identity style, educational status with identity style, and also parental employment with identity style. Demographic characteristics, economical status, parent's educational level, prisoner's records of family, occupation of parents, academic success and identity styles are essential factors in delinquency in children and adolescents.