Influence of Parenting Style on Delinquent Behaviour Among Borstal Institutions Inmates, Kenya

Abstract

In an effort to lessen juvenile delinquency, more attention is now being placed on how parents may nurture their children to become more contributing members of society when they are adults. This study aimed to determine the impact of parenting styles on delinquent behaviour among Borstal Institution inmates in Kenya. The objectives of the study included establishing how parenting style influences crime, drug and substance abuse, and school dropout among Borstal institution inmates in Kenya. This research used a mixed methodology comprising qualitative and quantitative approaches. The researcher relied on random sampling to select a sample of 110 Borstal Inmates, where 97 were male and 13 Female. Out of 110 participants, 89 answered questionnaires, while 21 participated in Focused Group Discussions in three different groups of seven each. Purposive sampling was used to select 19 Prisons Staff and six welfare officers totalling 135 participants. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) software version 24. The results were presented in the form of frequencies and percentages using bar graphs, tables, crosstabs, and pie charts and the relationship between variables were tested using Chi-squire test. The study found no correlation between any parenting approach and criminal activity, no correlation between authoritative/permissive parenting approaches and drug abuse, and no correlation between authoritarian/permissive/authoritative parenting approaches and school dropout, but there was an association between authoritarian/neglectful parenting approaches and drug use and an association between neglectful parenting approaches and school dropout. The research concluded that regardless of parenting style present, delinquency was still found among Borstal inmates because other intervening factors strongly influenced delinquency among youngsters. The study recommends parental involvement and incorporation in children's therapeutic programs at Borstal Institutions and sensitization of family and community to encourage reconciliation and smooth re-integration of Borstal inmates into the community after their release.