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A Mediated-Moderation Model of Maternal Parenting Style, Association with Deviant Peers, and Problem Behaviors in Urban African American and European American Adolescents

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Abstract

We examined a model positing that association with deviant peers mediates the relation between perceived maternal parenting style, represented by the dimensions demandingness, responsiveness, and their interaction, and problem behaviors in an urban sample of 82 African American and 56 European American young adolescents. Regression analyses revealed that the data are consistent with a model where association with deviant peers mediates the relation between maternal responsiveness and problem behaviors for European Americans and African American males. In addition, a responsiveness by demandingness interaction was found for European Americans. Only the relation between association with deviant peers and problem behaviors was supported for African American females. The results suggest that ethnic and gender variables might interact with pathways from parenting to association with deviant peers and problem behaviors and that the dimensions of parenting might not be equal in their salience.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY

    Scott R. Weaver M.A. (Research Assistant)

  2. Department of Psychology, SS 369, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue., Albany, NY, 12222

    Hazel M. Prelow Ph.D (Assistant Professor)

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  1. Scott R. Weaver M.A.
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  2. Hazel M. Prelow Ph.D
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Correspondence to Hazel M. Prelow Ph.D.

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Weaver, S.R., Prelow, H.M. A Mediated-Moderation Model of Maternal Parenting Style, Association with Deviant Peers, and Problem Behaviors in Urban African American and European American Adolescents. J Child Fam Stud 14, 343–356 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-005-6847-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-005-6847-1

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