Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.

org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) DOI: 10.7176/JEP
Vol.10, No.19, 2019

Influence of Permissive Parenting Style on Forms of Delinquent

Behaviour Among Secondary School Students in Butere
Sub- County, Kenya
Judith Kivandi Buliva
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 150 – 50100 KAKAMEGA, KENYA

Abstract
Delinquent behaviour amongst Secondary School students continue to increase, not only in Kenya but world
over thus hindering effective learning by students leading to poor academic performance in National
Examinations. The study sought to determine the influence of permissive parenting style on forms of delinquent
behaviour among Secondary School students in Butere Sub-County, Kenya. The study was based on the
Parenting Models theory. The study adopted a correlational research design which allowed the researcher to
describe different events, experiences, or behaviours and look for links between them. Study data was collected
using a questionnaire and an interview schedule. Population of the study comprised of 2797 form two students,
30 deputy principals and 30 teachers in charge of guidance and counselling in secondary schools in Butere Sub-
county. The study sample comprised 338 students selected using simple random sampling, 10 deputy principals
and 10 teachers in charge of guidance and counselling. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in
data analysis. Study findings revealed a statistically significant and positive relationship between permissive
parenting style and forms of delinquent behaviour among secondary school students in Butere Sub-County. The
study recommended that family systems need to be strengthened so as to provide the communal counselling
services for both parents and youth and to promote family education related to child upbringing hence reduce
delinquency.
Keywords: Permissive, Parenting Style, Delinquency, Students
DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-19-05
Publication date:July 31st 2019

1.1 Background of the study

Family environment, which includes parenting style and family structure, contributes significantly towards
impacting a child’s development of delinquent behaviour, partly because children spend alot of their time with
parents who play an influential role in moulding and shaping their behaviour. From this perspective, Coste (2015)
recognizes the work of Baumrind, a clinical as well as developmental psychologist best known for her work on
parenting styles. Baumrind identified three parenting styles based on parental demandingness and responsiveness,
which included authoritative parenting, authoritarian parenting, and permissive parenting.
However, (2009), points out that young people’s parents are more frequently blamed for the criminal or
delinquent behavior displayed by their children. Some of the courts even penalize parents for the inconsiderate or
antisocial conduct of their children.(Hoeve, et.al 2009). Delinquent behaviour refers to a wide range of anti-
social acts often associated with individuals who are below 18years and often include: drug abuse, weapon
carrying, vandalism, alcohol abuse, drug and substance abuse, school violence, bullying, truancy, school drop-
out, rape, sexual indulgencies among many others. (Withers, 2014). Mbuthia (2013), notes in her research that
youth deviant behaviour is an escalating problem in American society today and that there are many different
factors that can be blamed for this problem. During the last decade of the twentieth century, people began
searching for answers to this dilemma which is haunting America. Many tragic school shootings have taken
place within the last decades that have gained the attention of the public. As of now, no one can give the right
answer to the problem or the reason why it happens because there is no right answer yet and nobody can be sure
that they know the cause.
Ogidefa (2008) on the other hand argues that the leading contributing factors of youth deviant behaviors in
America include the media, family life, widespread abuse of drugs and alcohol, and the ease of access to
weapons among others. He further states that if this rise in aggressive acts is to be stemmed, the causes of youth
violence must be determined and analyzed to determine which ones, if any can be affected by change. Mbuthia
(2013) in her research further notes that research on people of Asian descent in North America, particularly those
of Chinese heritage, has found that they tend to have lower rates of delinquency. She also noted that studies on
deviant behaviours among the youth in Northern America revealed fewer users, as well as less heavy use, of
tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs among Asians when compared with Caucasians and other ethnic groups in
North America
In Africa, detailed information on youth delinquent behaviour is scanty, with the absence of reliable
databases in most countries, although countries. However, there is evidence of increasing law-breaking among

37
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) DOI: 10.7176/JEP
Vol.10, No.19, 2019

young people. Victimization surveys in several countries, as well as qualitative observations, suggest
delinquency among young people (12-25 years) is increasing at a much higher rate than in the developed north.
This includes in particular, violent behaviour, drug-related offences, and gang activity (Ogidefa, 2008). In Dakar,
Senegal, increases in petty theft and use of violence, threats and intimidation by young people have occurred
through the 1990s.
More generally, attacks on people in the street have included homicide, and violent or armed robberies
which have increased insecurity. Cities in Africa include some of the poorest and overcrowded urban
environments, and a major consequence is that urban crime in Africa has increased rapidly over the past decade,
and it is largely a youth-related phenomenon (Nwokwo, 2006). There has been a significant increase in violent
youth crime and Africa has been no exception to rising youth violence perhaps because of the increasing
economic hardship and recession experienced in many parts of the region. Levels of youth deviant behaviour
appear to continue to increase everywhere in the world (Levine, 2007).
In Kenya, the situation is worse in our educational institutions where youth deviant behaviour has resulted
in destruction of property worth millions of shillings and loss of lives; for example, the Endarasha Secondary
School in Nyeri County case where a strike resulted in the death of two students. This kind of situation is
worrying bearing in mind that the youth are valuable assets in development of any country (Daily Nation,
Saturday 17th 2010). Kariuki (2014) contends that parents are the first socializing agents for their children’s
behaviour. It is common practice for parents to teach their children social rules and roles by explaining,
rewarding and punishing them. However, sometimes parents unconsciously socialize the conducts they may not
want their children to adapt. As such, parents are often blamed when children engage in antisocial behaviour.
Some parents are warm, responsive and child centred in rearing their children. Other parents are rejecting,
unresponsive, and essentially uninvolved with their children. On the other hand, some parents are demanding
and restrictive on their children while others are permissive and undemanding.
Like other parts of Kenya, Kakamega County, is experiencing high rates of juvenile delinquency as raised
by government officials in the following article: ‘Kakamega alarmed over rise in juvenile crime’, Counties,
News September 18, 2014 by Dennis Lumiti. Government officers raised alarm over the rising cases of juvenile
delinquency in Kakamega County. The officers said the number of children being arrested and locked up at the
juvenile remand homes in the area is on the rise and challenged parents to spend more time with their children to
improve their morals. The officers said parents are losing control over children, eroding discipline among them.
They said most family units are under threat as “children are virtually taking over their families even with
parents still alive. Research conducted by Butere Community Health and Development Association (BCHDA)
and Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK) indicate that teenage pregnancy among secondary school girls in
Butere Sub-County, Kakamega County is rampant and alarming.
According to the Research Team leader and the Association’s Health advisor, research conducted in
31secondary schools in Butere indicated that majority of students especially girls were engaging in unprotected
sexual adventures. (Kenya News Agency, May 28, 2015). This research revealed at least 72 cases of teenage
pregnancies in schools with 42other girls confessing to have procured unsafe abortions. Drug abuse was also
rampant with 41 male students acknowledging to be addicted to hard drugs such as Bhang, Cocaine and Hashish.
In light of the preceding discussions, it appears that there is an upsurge of antisocial behaviour among
adolescent secondary school students. The researcher therefore saw the need to find out the influence of
parenting styles on forms of delinquent behaviour among secondary school students in Butere sub-county,
Kakamega County, Kenya.

1.2. Statement of the problem.

In Kenya, each county government is striving to ensure that its people have access to functional and quality
education in line with Session Paper No 14 of 2012, Vision 2030, the Basic Education Act of 2013, as well as
international commitments such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) and Education for All (EFA).
The national secondary enrolment significantly increased in 2008 when FDSE was implemented. The GER for
the county in 2012 was 43.71% compared to the national figure of 46.6% indicating that the county stood at an
NER OF 26% compared to the national NER of 29.3% (Kakamega County Education Task Force Report, 2014).
Based on national performance indicators, the situation of access, quality, learning environment and internal
efficiency of Kakamega’s Basic Education sector are relatively poor. Parents are the first socializing agents for
their children’s behaviour. It is common practice for parents to teach their children social rules and roles by
explaining, rewarding and punishing them. Parents are often blamed when children engage in antisocial behavior,
(Kariuki, 2014). Some parents are warm, responsive and child centred in rearing their children while others are
rejecting, unresponsive, and essentially uninvolved with their children. Some parents are demanding and
restrictive on their children while others are permissive and undemanding. (Grusec & Davidov, 2007).
According to the Butere Sub-County Children’s officer, who is in charge of Butere and Khwisero Sub-Counties,
1,689 cases of juvenile delinquency were prosecuted in court in 2014 and the figure is likely to rise given the

38
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) DOI: 10.7176/JEP
Vol.10, No.19, 2019

increase in the cases he is handling in his office. The Butere sub-county annual report indicates that as at 30th
November, 2014, a total of 1,294 students dropped out of primary school with the figure at secondary being
slightly higher. Reports from secondary schools indicate rampant absenteeism among students which eventually
culminates into poor academic performance and eventual school dropout. These reports attribute up to 70% of
this problem to home based factors. Truancy, bullying, dislike of teachers, deliberate avoidance of tests,
boycotts, fighting, smoking, theft, cheating in exams, rudeness, drunkenness, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy,
sneaking out of school are some examples of manifestations of delinquent behaviour that have been recorded in
secondary schools in Butere sub-county. Records held in secondary schools also indicate that form two students
display frequent involvement in cases of delinquent behaviour. From the preceding discussions, it appears there
is an upsurge of delinquent behaviour among secondary school students in the recent years and this has been
blamed on parenting styles. The researcher therefore sought to find out the relationship between parenting styles
and forms of delinquent behaviour among secondary students in Butere sub-county, Kenya.

1.3: Objective of the Study

The specific objective of the study was to determine the influence of permissive parenting style on forms of
delinquent behaviour among secondary school students.

1.4: Study Hypothesis

H01: Permissive parenting style does not significantly influence forms of delinquent behaviour among secondary
school students.

1.5: Significance of the study

It is hoped that the findings of the study may:
i. Provide empirical evidence to schools, parents and other stakeholders regarding parenting styles and
forms of delinquent behavior
ii. Be useful in formulation of policies to be used in the education sector that will assist learners
manifesting forms of delinquent behaviour.
iii. Be of assistance to teachers and those in-charge of guidance and counselling who may use these
findings to advise parents on the importance of adopting positive parenting styles so that they could
train and moderate the behaviour of their children in order to prevent them from being involved in
deviant behaviour as they grow up.
iv. Contribute to existing body of knowledge on parenting styles and forms of delinquent behaviour.
v. Stimulate further research into this area of study.

1.6: Theoretical framework

This study was based on the work of Diana Baumrind, (1991), a developmental psychologist who developed the
most commonly used approach to assessing parenting styles. Her parenting typologies (authoritarian,
authoritative, and permissive) (1967) have been used to assess parenting styles in several cultural communities
across the world (Cheah, Leung, Tahseen, & Schultz, 2009; Su &Hynie, 2011; Yaman, Mesman, van IJzendoorn,
& Bakermans-Kranenburg,(2010). Baumrind`s work is important to the study because her approach guided much
of the conceptualization of the link between parenting and child outcomes. Baumrind (1991) designed a model
on parenting styles and related it to their children’s behaviour outcome. She identified responsiveness and
demandingness as the parental behaviours that are desirable for child rearing. From the parental responsiveness
and demandingness, she identified 3 general parenting styles; authoritarian, authoritative and permissive styles.
Baumrind’s model of parenting is exemplified by Birgitte Coste, (2017) in figure 1.

Figure 1. 1:Baumrind’s model on parenting style

source: Birgitte Coste,(2017) Positive –Parenting-Ally.com.
According to Birgitte Coste, (2017), the parenting styles model has two axes. Each axis represents one of

39
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) DOI: 10.7176/JEP
Vol.10, No.19, 2019

Baumrind's parenting themes which is 'high' in one end and 'low' in the other. Together these two axes of
demandingness and responsiveness create four quadrants where each parenting styles is placed. The authoritative
parenting style is high on demandingness and high on responsiveness (hence placed in the top left corner), the
authoritarian parenting style is high also high on demandingness but low on responsiveness (hence placed in the
bottom left corner) the permissive parenting style is high on responsiveness but low on demandingness (hence
placed in the top right corner) and the neglectful parenting style is both low on responsiveness and low on
demandingness.
The dimension on demandingness which is also known as control was to be applied in studying parental
styles. If the parents exert excessive behaviour monitoring, then this will be considered as authoritarian style. At
the middle of the continuum on demandingness, is authoritative style that involves moderate behaviour
monitoring. On the other extreme of the continuum is permissive style that involves little or no monitoring of
children (Parke & Guavain, 2009). According to Baumrind (1968) both authoritarian style and permissive style
have negative effects on children’s behaviour outcome. Authoritative style on the other hand has positive effects.
Baumrind’s parenting dimensions provided the theoretical foundation for examining the relationship between the
parenting styles and forms of Juvenile delinquent behaviour by providing insights on how parental behaviours
related with their children’s conduct outcome.

1.7 Review of Related Literature

Delinquent behavior is one of the most distressful problems during the period when people are considered
adolescents, that is, between the age of 13 and 18. According to Elliott, Huizinga and Menard (2012), the list of
delinquent activities include refusal to adhere to the parental demands, alcohol use and drug addiction, stealing,
property destruction, theft and rape. Moitra and Mukherjee (2012) argue that there is a noteworthy role of
parents in shaping the delinquent behavior of adolescents. For example, they point out that home is the place
where a normal and healthy development of any child starts and the family constitutes the backbone of an
individual. From this perspective, family is considered to be a basic ecology in which the behavior of children is
manifested in their childhood by way of negative or positive reinforcement.
Talib, Abdullah, and Mansor (2011) on the other hand point out that the family of a child is a socio-cultural-
economic arrangement that has a significant influence on the behavior of the children, and also on the
development of their characters. Therefore, ignorance in their parenting can lead them towards unwanted
damaging effects that ultimately create behavioral problems in children. This study holds the same view as these
researchers and sought to find out if the following forms of juvenile delinquent behaviour: running away from
home, drugs, alcohol and substance abuse, bullying and teenage sexual indulgencies among students in
secondary schools have any correlation with the parenting styles of their parents. Diana Baumrind is widely
considered to be the pioneer of introducing parental style and control – authoritarian, authoritative, and
permissive. From this perspective, Cherry (2015) points out that the psychologist Diana Baumrind during the
early 1960s, conducted a study on children studying in preschool using parental interviews, naturalistic
observation and other research methods. As a result, Baumrind identified four imperative dimensions of
parenting including expectations of adulthood and control, communication styles, nurturance and warmth and
disciplinary strategies. Based on the above mentioned dimensions, Cherry (2015) and Baumrind (1991) as cited
by Membere Tadesse (2016), suggest that a majority of parents exhibit one of three mentioned parenting styles.
This study adopted the parenting styles as proposed by Baumrind.
1.7.1 Permissive parenting style and forms of delinquent behavior.
Permissive parenting is a type of parenting style characterized by low demands with high responsiveness.
Permissive parents tend to be very loving, yet provide few guidelines and rules. They do not expect mature
behavior from their children and often seems more like a friend than a parental figure. Because there are few
rules, expectations, and demands, children raised by permissive parents, tend to struggle with self-regulation and
self-control .Studies by (Miller,et.,al,2012) suggests that children raised by permissive parents are most likely to
react with intense, negative emotions to social conflicts. And for very young children, permissive parenting has
been linked with children exhibiting poorer self-control (Piotrowski, et., al,2013).
The permissive parenting style is one where parents are generally warm, nurturing, and affectionate,
however they are overly expecting of their children’s behavior, good or bad. They feel their children are capable
of making their own decisions with little parental guidance. A study of Palestinian Arabs, found that children
with permissive parents were more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, anxiety and depression (Drairy, 2008).
Permissive parents take orders and instructions from their children, are passive, endow children with power
(Gonzalez-Mera,2007), have low expectations, use minimal discipline and do not feel responsible for how their
children turnout.(Garbarino and Abramowitz,2008. Indulgent or permissive parents focus on being their
children’s friend than a disciplinary figure, there is an extensive amount of parent-child communication, but very
low levels of maturity and demand required of the child.
Children raised by indulgent parents have higher self-esteem, better social skills and lower levels of

40
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) DOI: 10.7176/JEP
Vol.10, No.19, 2019

depression which aids in positive social development. According to Baumrind (1991), permissive parents
attempt to behave in a compromising, affirmative and non-punitive manner toward their children’s impulses,
actions and desires. Considering the definition proposed by Baumrind that this parenting style tends to have a
higher level of responsiveness, it implies that a responsive parent is more likely to define and determine rules
associated with family, while encouraging the adolescents to consider it as a resource (Johnson & Kelley, 2011).
Such parents crave the best for their children and aim to please them. They are willing to succumb to their
demand early in life and eager to satisfy their every desire.
Such parents tend to have good intention but their efforts may produce unfavourable results. Here, the child
makes up his mind and decisions. The parent relies on reasoning and explanations which leads to easy
manipulation by their children. The major weakness of such parenting is that it doesn’t offer to the child any
form of direction which they really need in life, hence is aimless and have few goal directed activities. Hoskins
(2014) contends that permissive parents can be characterized as exhibiting low level of demandingness and high
level of responsiveness, whereas neglecting parents are neither responsive nor demanding. They behave in a
manner that is more affirmative toward the impulses, actions and desires of adolescent while consulting with
them about family decisions.
In addition, they tend to avoid engaging in behavioural control, do not set rules and set a small number of
behavioural expectations for their adolescents. From this perspective, it can be stated that permissive parents
actually allow the adolescents to actively participate without being concerned for their actions. Underwood,
Beron, and Rosen (2009) found that permissive parenting style has positive correlations with antisocial
behaviour. As in authoritarian parenting, several researchers found that permissive parenting may cause
antisocial behaviour such as rebelliousness and disruption among children.(Schaffer et al., 2009). One might say
that permissive parents seem to have no discipline, are too laissez-faire and allow their children to do whatever
the children want. Parents seem to not care if their children may exhibit troublesome behaviour which may be
rejected by society. Overall, permissive parenting contributes to depression and antisocial behaviour among
children. Parents with a permissive parenting style are too lenient and tolerant of their children without setting
limits. This situation may cause children to lack the ability to differentiate what is good and bad for them.
Permissive parents are relaxed and inconsistent in providing feedback to their children which may cause
them to feel confused about what is good and bad. In permissive homes, children may think that they can do
whatever they want and do not learn to respect anything. Most studies on parenting styles and forms of
delinquent behaviour tend to strongly correlate the two. According to Elliott, Huizinga and Menard (2012), the
list of delinquent activities include refusal to adhere to the parental demands, alcohol use and drug addiction,
stealing, property destruction, theft and rape.
Moitra and Mukherjee (2012) argue that there is a noteworthy role of parents in shaping the delinquent
behavior of adolescents. For example, they point out that home is the place where a normal and healthy
development of any child starts and the family constitutes the backbone of an individual. Hoffman (2008)
studied parents’ behaviours and youth delinquency with a sample size of 216 female and 225 male students from
South western University. The results confirmed that parental warmth, care and protection (authoritative
parenting) is protective to adolescents’ substance abuse. However, neglecting parenting was found to be
associated with higher rates of alcohol related problems.
The data on parental practices commonly used in Brazil show the greater mothers’ involvement in child
rearing as compared to fathers’. Mothers who specified having more situations with their children as difficult to
manage also showed a significantly higher level of physical punishment of their children and coercive actions
toward them (Piccinini, Alvarenga, & Marin, 2013). “A harsh and coercive disciplinary style [has been found to]
generate deficits in the child’s emotional self-regulation and behavioral capacity, which would explain, at least in
part, externalizing symptoms, such as impulsivity and aggression” (Piccinini, Alvarenga, & Marin, 2013).
Another example of non-Western type of parenting as combining authoritative (vigilant) with certain elements of
harsh parenting carried out in Taiwan also demonstrates a dependence of early development of delinquencies as
facilitated by the harsh parental style (Chen &Wu).
Shahla et al, (2011), note that Baumrind, in 1991, reported that parents who are authoritative were more
successful than authoritarian parents, especially in helping their adolescents to avoid problems associated with
drugs. Wu (2009) demonstrated that mother’s permissive parenting style is associated with anti-social behavior
among their children. Odubote (2008) reported that authoritarian parenting style is highly correlated with
delinquency behavior, adding that the authoritative parenting style has been associated with positive outcomes.
In contrast permissive and authoritarian parenting style has been associated with delinquency.
Also Palmer (2009) found that authoritative parenting was positively correlated with children’s adjustment,
and authoritarian parenting was negatively correlated with children’s adjustment. In addition, it was reported that
parental self-control skills were positively correlated with authoritative parenting. Tanusree Moitra1andIndrani
Mukherjee, (2010) in an article “Does parenting behaviour impacts delinquency? A comparative study of
delinquents and non-delinquents”, examines the relationship between mothers’ and fathers’ parenting behaviour

41
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) DOI: 10.7176/JEP
Vol.10, No.19, 2019

and the development of delinquency in male adolescents located in Kolkata, India. They noted a significant
difference in the parenting dimensions of the two groups of adolescents.
Further analysis revealed that parenting styles of mothers and fathers were linked to delinquency, of which
authoritative style appeared to be the best style of parenting. On the other hand, neglectful and authoritarian
parenting was positively related to delinquency. Furthermore, the impact of age and religion upon delinquency
was also studied. Age of the delinquent was related to delinquency and it was noted that early adolescence was a
richer breeding ground of delinquency. No impact was found between religion and delinquency. Okorodudu
(2010) in her study on “Influence of Parenting Styles on Adolescent Delinquency in Delta Central Senatorial
District”, the analyses show that permissive/ lassair-faire parenting style effectively predicts adolescents’
delinquency while authoritarian and authoritative did not. Parents who are positively oriented in their styles
(demanding and responsiveness) will make their adolescents socially competent and goal – directed.
Parents who exerted control and monitored adolescent activities and promoted self-autonomy were found to
have the most positive effects on adolescents’ behaviour. Uninvolving parents and also non responsive to
adolescents needs had negative impacts on their behaviour. She noted that on the contrary, parental demanding
without responsiveness (authoritarian parenting style) may make adolescents rebellious and delinquent. For
instance a home without love, warmth, care, affection but have the parents harsh and aggressive may make the
adolescent run away from home, rebellious and have negative associations and other delinquent behaviours
follow. She examined parental supportiveness that involved a healthy relationship, friendliness, supervision and
participation in school work. The study found out that, parental support, an aspect of authoritative parenting was
found not significantly related to adolescents’ delinquent behaviours. The findings also revealed that parental
warmth, care and support do not significantly relate to adolescents’ delinquency. The findings provided a pointer
to possible findings on perceptions of parental supportiveness and adolescents’ delinquency.
This study also revealed that there was no significant relationship between school location and adolescent
delinquency and between gender and adolescent delinquency. In Kenya, Ndetei (2008) investigated substance
abuse using a sample of 1,328 students from 17 public secondary schools. The study found out that beer, wine,
spirits, and cigarettes were commonly abused, and that, children as young as eleven years, mainly from educated
middle-class families were abusing drugs. Parental absence (mainly for the educated parents who are too busy
with careers for their children checking) led to decreased supervising of adolescents. The study reported that,
most drug abusing adolescents came from homes where one or both of the parents modelled substance abuse or
had lenient attitude to use of alcohol. Therefore, substance abuse was associated with poor monitoring.
Kariuki, (2014), notes that it is generally accepted that parents are the first socializing agents for their
children’s behaviour and that it is common practice for parents to teach their children social rules and roles by
explaining, rewarding and punishing them. However, sometimes parents unconsciously socialize the conducts
they may not want their children to adapt. As such, parents are often blamed when children engage in antisocial
behaviour. Some parents are warm, responsive and child centred in rearing their children. Other parents are
rejecting, unresponsive, and essentially uninvolved with their children. On the other hand, some parents are
demanding and restrictive on their children while others are permissive and undemanding. The permissive
parents tend to allow their children to do as they wish. When a parent is warm and loving the child is likely to
want to maintain the parents’ approval.
To secure the approval some children are likely to avoid any situations that would make them lose the
parents’ love (Grusec&Davidov, 2007). This study shared similar views with the other studies pointed above but
noted that in these studies focus had been on younger children and not on secondary school going students. It
was also noted that these research studies have only been closely explored with the dominant European-
American group as with Baumrind’s work (Hong, 2012). There are limited studies carried out in Kenya linking
behavioural problems with parenting styles. This study therefore sought to determine the relationship between
permissive parenting style and forms of delinquent behaviour among secondary school students in Butere sub-
County, Kenya.

1.8 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The study adopted a correlational research design. The design allows the researcher to describe different events,
experiences, or behaviors and look for links between them (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister & Jeanne, 2011).
However, the design does not enable researchers to determine causes of behavior. Such a design is useful when
the objective is to find out the relationships between variables but does not need to prove causation (Mugenda,
2008). The study was carried out in Butere sub-county, one of the nine sub-counties that form Kakamega
County. The researcher chose this area because it has manifested an increase in the rates of juvenile delinquency
among secondary school students (MOE Butere Sub-County reports, 2014; Butere / Khwisero Sub-County
Childrens’ officer’s reports, 2014.) There were 30 registered public secondary schools in the study area. Three of
these schools were for boys only, eight were for girls only and the other nineteen were mixed schools. The boys’
only schools were all boarding, while only three out of the eight girls’ schools were boarding.

42
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) DOI: 10.7176/JEP
Vol.10, No.19, 2019

All the mixed schools were purely day schools. The study population comprised of 2797 form two students
who were selected on the premise that for most of them this time was the onset of adolescence, 30 deputy
principals and 30 teachers in –charge of guidance and counselling in Butere Sub –County. According to Best and
Khan (2009) there is usually a tradeoff between the desirability of a large sample and feasibility of a small one.
The researcher therefore ensured that the sample was large enough to serve as adequate representation of the
population about which generalization was made while at the same time being small enough for selection
economically in terms of subject availability and expenses in both time and financial resources. The target
population of the study (2797) was less than 10,000, the sample size used was as recommended by Mugenda &
Mugenda, (2013). A study sample of 338 students, 10 deputy principals and 10 guiding and counseling teachers
was used in the study. Both questionnaire and interview methods were used in data collection.
A pilot study was done in three schools in Butere sub-county that were not part of the schools that
participated in the main study. Validity was ascertained using test-retest method while reliability was ascertained
using Cronbach’s Alpha test.
Data analysis was undertaken using both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Descriptive
statistics included measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion and measures of relative position.
Inferential statistics used included Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, regression and ANOVA.
Regression was also used to determine the relationship as it was the best method to predict the values of the
variables in the study (Regoniel , 2012)
Regression Model1.
Yform= β o + β1PM + µ
Where:
β o is a constant
β 1 is the construct regression coefficient
Yform is forms of delinquent behaviour among secondary school students in Butere sub-County.
PM is Permissive parenting style
µ is the error term accounting for change in Y that is not a result of PM.
Using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences), version 20, and the values of the coefficients analysis were
obtained. This data was then presented.

1.9 Study Findings

There are 30 secondary schools in Butere Sub-County. Out of the 338 copies of the questionnaire distributed for
the study, only 299 copies of the questionnaire were returned to the researcher by the respondents giving a
response rate of 67.8 %. The respondents of the study comprised of 136 (45.49%) boys and 163 (54.52%) girls, 6
(60%) male deputy principals and 4 (40%) female deputy principals, 3 (30%) male teachers in charge of
guidance and counselling and 6 (60%) female teachers in charge of guidance and counselling. Respondents were
drawn from 3 Boys schools, 3 Girls schools and 4 mixed schools. Of these schools, 4 were boarding schools
while the other 6 were day schools.
1.9.1: The influence of Permissive parenting style on forms of delinquent behavior.
Below are the findings of the study after data analysis for objective three: To determine the influence of
permissive parenting style on forms of delinquent behavior. To attain this data the researcher used a
questionnaire for students and an interview guides for deputy Principals and Teachers in charge of guiding and
counseling.
Table 1: Descriptive analysis of responses for permissive parenting style and Forms of delinquent
behavior questionnaire.
permissive parent/guardian SA A S D SD
1 Lack of supervision from parents: My parents/guardian allows 5.7% 7.4% 8.7% 30.1% 48.2%
me to decide most things for myself without a lot of direction (17) (22) (26) (90) (144)
from her.
2 Non demanding parents: My parents/guardian does not feel 3.7% 7.0% 4.0% 28.1% 57.2%
that I need to obey rules and regulations of behavior simply (11) (21) (12) (84) (171)
because someone in authority had established them
3 Parental negligence: My parents/guardian does not view 4.3% 2.7% 8.0% 25.8% 59.2%
herself as responsible for directing and guiding my behavior. (13) (8) (24) (77) (177)
4 Parental passiveness: My parents/guardian rarely gives me 12.0% 10.7% 7.7% 25.8% 43.8%
expectations and guidelines for my behaviour (36) (32) (23) (77) (131)
5 Non-provision of school requirements : My parents/guardian 15.1% 9.4% 9.4% 23.4% 42.8%
rarely give me the basics requirements for school (45) (28) (28) (70) (128)
*Total of scores was 100%
Source: Research Data (2018)

43
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) DOI: 10.7176/JEP
Vol.10, No.19, 2019

From the table 1 on the issue of whether parents/guardian allows them to decide most things on their own
without a lot of direction 5.7 % strongly agreed 7.4 % agreed while 30.1 % and 48.2 % disagreed and strongly
disagreed respectively. As to whether parents do not feel that they need to obey rules and regulations of behavior
simply 3.7 % strongly agreed 7 % agreed while 28.1 % and 57.2 % disagreed and strongly disagreed respectively.
On whether parents/guardian does not view them as responsible for directing and guiding my behavior 4.3 %
strongly agreed 2.7 % agreed while 25.8 % and 59.2 % disagreed and strongly disagreed respectively
When asked whether parents/guardians rarely gives them expectations and guidelines for their behavior
12 % strongly agreed 10.7 % agreed while 25.8 % and 43.8 % disagreed and strongly disagreed respectively. But
when asked on if parents rarely give basics requirements for school 15.1 % strongly agreed 9.4 % agreed while
23.4 % and 42.8 % disagreed and strongly disagreed respectively.
Study findings from interview schedules point to bullying (12.3%), lying (7.9%), general messiness (4.5%)
and truancy (2.7%) as being the most prevalent forms of delinquency among children raised using permissive
parenting style. Although an increase in the use of permissive parenting styles also increased the various forms
of delinquency among secondary school students, there were respondents (11.8%) that were of the view that
permissive parenting skills allow a sense of autonomy to grow and that this breeds self-reliance and a high sense
of responsibility and accountability in future life.
Correlation Results for responses to permissive parenting style and Forms of delinquent behavior
questionnaire.
Correlation Analysis between the permissive parenting style variable and forms of delinquent behaviour among
secondary school students in Butere sub-county was done and the following results in table 2 were obtained:
Table 2: Correlations for Permissive parenting style and Forms of delinquent behavior.
Permissive Forms of delinquent behaviour
Permissive Pearson Correlation 1
Sig. (2-tailed)
N 299
Delinquent Pearson Correlation .442** 1
behavior Sig. (2-tailed) .000
N 299 299
**. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).
Source: Research Data (2018)
A correlation coefficient statistic that describes the degree of linear association the Table 2 indicates that
there was a positive relationship between permissive parenting style and forms of delinquent behaviour among
secondary school students in Butere sub-county. This relationship has been illustrated by correlation coefficient
of 0.442 which is significant at 0.05 level. The results of the study conform to previous studies who found
similar results where permissive parenting style has positive correlations with antisocial behavior. (Underwood,
Beron, & Rosen, (2009), Knutson et al. (2004), Palmer (2009), Mukherjee (2010) and Okorodudu (2010)
Results for Regression with permissive parenting style.
The results for regression analysis with permissive parenting style are presented in table 3.
Table 3:Model Summary for Permissive parenting style and Forms of delinquent behavior.

Std. Error of the

Model R R Square Adjusted R Square Estimate Durbin-Watson
1 .442a .195 .192 .81742 1.720
a. Predictors: (Constant), Permissive parenting style
b. Dependent Variable: Forms of delinquent behaviour
Source: Research Data (2018)
From table 3, the value of R squared was 0.195 this show that permissive parenting style explains 19.5 % of
variance in Forms of delinquent behaviour the remaining 80.5% is explained by other factors not included in the
model.
ANOVA results for permissive parenting style and Forms of delinquent behavior.
ANOVA for the linear model presented is presented in Table 4 .

44
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) DOI: 10.7176/JEP
Vol.10, No.19, 2019

Table 4: ANOVA results for permissive parenting style and Forms of delinquent behavior.

Model Sum of Squares Df Mean Square F Sig.

1 Regression 48.089 1 48.089 71.972 .000a
Residual 198.447 297 .668
Total 246.536 298
a. Predictors: (Constant), Permissive parenting style
b. Dependent Variable: Forms of delinquent behaviour.
Source: Research Data (2018)
ANOVA for the linear model presented in Table 4 of permissive parenting style and Forms of delinquent
behaviour has an F - value 71.792 which is significant at 99% confidence level with P value = 0.000 meaning
that the overall model is significant in the prediction of forms of delinquent behaviour among secondary school
students in Butere sub-county.
Coefficients for permissive parenting style results
The Coefficients for permissive parenting style results are captured in table 5:
Table 5: Coefficient for Permissive parenting style and Forms of delinquent behavior.
Unstandardized Standardized
Coefficients Coefficients Collinearity Statistics
Model B Std. Error Beta T Sig. Tolerance VIF
1 (Constant) .748 .124 6.019 .000
Permissive .496 .058 .442 8.484 .000 1.000 1.000
a. Dependent Variable: Forms of delinquent behaviour
Source: Research Data (2018)
Multicollinearity was measured by variance inflation factor (VIF). Where Variance inflation factor value >
10 it means independent variables are highly correlated hence leading to multicollinearity problem. The VIF
value in the table is less than 10 so there is no multicollinearity problem. Analysis of the regression model
coefficients shows there is a beta co-efficient of 0.496 for permissive with a P-value = 0.000 which is less than
0.01 thus a positive and significant relationship. Other authors also who agree with this results found permissive
parenting style had positive relationship with antisocial behavior. (Underwood, Beron, & Rosen, 2009, ). Wu
(2009) , Palmer (2009), Okorodudu (2010) all tend to hold the same view as this study. The regression equation
is presented as follows:
Y = 0.748 + 0.496PM: Where Y =Forms of delinquent behaviour b, PM is the permissive parenting style.
60% of the teachers in charge of guidance and counselling noted that neglectful or permissive/ laser fare methods
of raising student was the most prevalent among parents in their schools. The Deputy Principals and the teachers
in charge of guidance and counselling pointed out that some of the effects of these negative parenting styles on
students were: school dropout, teenage pregnancies, poor academic performance, drug abuse, truancy,
absenteeism, student indiscipline and students venting their frustration by misdirecting their anger on others.

1.10 Conclusion
Based on the empirical evidence the following conclusion can be;
With regard to study findings with respect to the study objective, Permissive style had a positive and significant
relationship to forms of delinquent behaviour based on correlation results; this means that as increase in use of
Permissive style then forms of delinquent behaviour increase. From regression results Permissive had a
significant positive relationship with forms of delinquent behaviour this also means that as permissive parenting
style increases then the rate of forms of forms of delinquent behaviour increase.

1.11 Recommendations
In light of the findings and conclusions made, the following recommendations are made;
i. Parents to spend quality time with their children in order to monitor them for any signs of forms of
delinquent behaviour .
ii. Parents/guardian advised to always encourage open discussion and give direction and guidance in rational
and objective ways to students
iii. Family systems to be strengthened so as to provide the communal counseling services.
iv. Schools to engage trained counselors and conduct regular individual and group counseling to students for
them to release their thoughts and emotions.

REFERENCES
Ali. A. A., Dada, I.T., Isiaka G.A. & Salmon S.A. (2014). Types, Causes and Management of Indiscipline Acts
among Secondary School Students in Shomolu Local Government Area of Lagos State, Journal of Studies

45
Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) DOI: 10.7176/JEP
Vol.10, No.19, 2019

in Social Sciences (8), 2, 201-213.

Baumrind, D. (1991). The influence of parenting style on adolescent competence and substance use. The Journal
of Early Adolescence, 11, 56 - 95. doi: 10. 1177/0272431691111004
Baumrind, D. (1996). The discipline controversy revisited. Family Relations, 45, 405- 414
Darling, N., & Sternberg, L. (1993). Parenting style as context: An integrative model. Psychological Bulletin,
113,48 -496.
Grogan- Kaylor, A. (2005). Corporal punishment and the growth trajectory of children’s antisocial
behavior.Child Maltreatment, 10, 283 -292.
Grolnick, W. S., &Pomerantz, E. M. (2009). Issues and challenges in studying parental control: Toward a new
conceptualization. Society for Research in Child Development, 3 (3), 165-170.
Hoeve, M., Blokland, A., Dubas, J. S., Loeber, R., Gerris, J. R. M., &Laan, P. H. (2008). Trajectories of
delinquency and parenting styles.Journal Abnormal Children Psychological, 36 , 223 - 235. doi: 10.
1007/s10802 - 007-9172-x
Hoeve, M., Dubas, J. S., Eichelsheim, V. I., Laan, P. H., Smeenk, W., &Gerris, J. R. M. (2009). The relationship
between parenting and delinquency: A meta-analysis.Journal Abnormal Child Psychology, 37,749-775.doi:
10.1007/s10802-009-9310-8.
Kariuki, N. Peter J.O. Aloka, K., Theresia, G., Nyaga H, and NdungeN.,( 2014). Relationship Between
Adolescents’ Perceptions of Their Parents’ Behaviors and Youths’ Non-Illegal and Minor- Illegal
Delinquency in Nairobi Secondary Schools, Kenya,Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences 5 (7) 1-13.
Kim, K. &Rohner, R. P. (2002). Parental warmth , control, and involvement in schooling: Predicting academic
achievement among Korean American adolescents Journal of Cross -Cultural Psychology, 33, 127-140. doi:
10. 1177/0022022102033002001.
Knutson, J. F., DeGarmo, D. S., & Reid, J. B. (2004). Social disadvantage and neglectful parenting as
precursors to the development of antisocial and aggressive child behavior. Testing a theoretical model.
Aggressive Behavior, 30, 187-205.doi: 10. 1177/1077559504273684.
Kombo, D. & Tromp, L., (2006). Proposal and Thesis writing, An Introduction,Paulines Publications Africa,
Kenya.
LumitiD. (2014) Kakamega alarmed over rise in juvenile crime’, Counties, News September 18, 2014.
Marsiglia, C. S. Walczyk, J. J., Buboltz, W. C., & Griffith-Ross, D. A. (2007). Impact of parenting styles and
locus of control on emerging adults’ psychosocial success. Journal of Education and Human Development,
1, 1-11.
Moitra N & Mukherjee F., (2010). Does parenting behaviour impacts delinquency? A comparative study of
delinquents and non-delinquents,International Journal of Criminal Justice Sciences.(IJCJS) 5, (2) 34-44.
Mugenda, O.M. and Mugenda G. A. (2012). Research Methods, Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches,
Nairobi, Act Press.
Mugenda, O.M. and Mugenda G. A.(2013). Research Methods, Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches,
Nairobi, Act Press.
Schaffer, M., Clark, S., & Jeglic, E. L. (2009). The role of empathy and parenting style in the development of
antisocial behaviors. Crime & Delinquency, 55, 586-599. doi: 10. 1177/0011128708321359.
Shahla A., Mansor B., Rohani A &Mariani M., (2011). Relationship Between Parenting Style and Children’s
Behavior Problems, University of Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysi.
Sila, Esther Nthambi, (2011). Influence of Parenting Styles on Learners Self-Concept and Academic
Performance in Kakamega East District, Kenya, Thesis, MasindeMuliro university of Science and
Technology.
Solomon Ehiemua, (2014). Juvenile Delinquency: A Comparative Study Between Child Rearing Practices in
Developed and Developing Countries ,European Journal of Research in Social Sciences. 2.( 4),35-4.
Tanusree, M. & Indrani, M. (2010). Does parenting behaviour impacts delinquency? A comparative study of
delinquents and non-delinquents,University of Calcutta, India International Journal of Criminal Justice
Sciences (IJCJS) 5 (2), 274 – 285.
Underwood, M. K., Beron,K. J, & Rosen, L. H. (2009). Continuity and change in social and physical aggression
from middle childhood through early adolescence. Aggressive Behavior,35(5), 357-75.
Wesang’ula P, John O. & Kabuka, K. (2010). Teachers’ and Students’ Perceptions of Psychological Factors
Contributing to Violent Behavior among Public Secondary School Students in Western Province, Kenya,
African Journal of History and Culture 2(6) 46-56.
Withers, R. (2014). Can Bad Parenting Turn a Child Into a Delinquent? Short answer: Yes. (C) Copyright 2014-
2015 CounselingInsite -Blog Menu.
Wittenborn, M. (2002). “The Relations Between Parenting Styles and Juvenile Delinquency" Honors Thesis.,
Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

46