New article alert: strength-based parenting and relationship quality in Latine families facing justice system risk

Dr. Cavanagh's latest article, Strength-Based Parenting and Relationship Quality in Latine Families Facing Justice System Risk, is out now in Family Relations!

Culturally embedded values inform parenting. Among 160 Latine parent–adolescent dyads in El Paso, we tested whether positive parenting practices were associated with parent–child relationship quality, and whether that association differed by youth justice involvement and gender.

We found that three types of positive parenting were each significantly associated with higher parent–child relationship quality. Youth arrests were associated with lower relationship quality, but positive parenting practices were more strongly associated with relationship quality among arrested youth than among non-arrested youth!

Youth gender also moderated the effects, with autonomy granting and warmth more strongly associated with relationship quality for boys than for girls. Parent gender did not moderate associations. 

What's the take-home message? Positive parenting practices strengthen parent–child relationships, particularly for justice-involved Latine youth. Culturally responsive, strengths-based interventions among Latine families involved in the juvenile justice system may be most effective.