Boundary Parenting: A Framework for Reducing Deviance Among Young People

Abstract

The erosion or absence of clear boundaries between parents and children in modern society – whether due to neglect or alternative parenting styles – has emerged as a significant issue, prompting the need for its evaluation regarding deviance. This study investigates the relationship between parent–child boundaries and adolescent deviant behavior by analyzing data from the first wave of NLSY97 responses, which encompasses 7564 individuals aged 12–17 years. Healthy boundary-based parenting, characterized by authoritative parenting, consistent monitoring, and clear limit setting, was significantly linked with lower levels of deviant behavior, including delinquency, arrests, running away, and substance use. These relationships held even after controlling for gender, ethnicity, date of birth, household income, and parent education. The results indicate that parenting practices with well-defined and firm boundaries – neither overly permissive nor excessively strict – are associated with lower rates of deviance among young people.