Sociomoral reasoning, perceptions of own parenting and self-reported delinquency

This study considers the relationship between moral reasoning, perceptions of parenting and self-reported delinquency in a sample of undergraduate students. Correlations showed that several aspects of perceived parenting style were related to moral reasoning, and perceived parental rejection was related to delinquency. Separate analysis for males and females showed the same pattern. Gender of respondent was the most significant predictor of self-report delinquency scores. For males and females considered apart, perceived parental over-protection was related to male self-reported delinquency, and moral reasoning to female self-reported delinquency. The extension of this study to offender groups is seen as the next step in this line of investigation.