Perceived Family Ecology and Criminal Tendency in Youth: A Correlational Study

Abstract

                                                                                                                                       Abstract

Objective:
To examine the relationship between perceived family ecology and criminal tendency among youth.

Study Design:
Cross-sectional correlational study.

Place and Duration of Study:
Department of Psychology, University of Karachi, Pakistan. Data were collected between May and July 2025.

Method:
A total of 122 young adults (50 males, 72 females) aged 19–30 years (Mean age = 23.77 ± 2.94 years) were recruited using purposive sampling. Perceived family ecology was measured using the Family Ecology Questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.748). Self-Report Delinquency Scale (Elliot, Huizinga, &Ageton, 1985) was assessed using the Criminal Tendency Scale (Cronbach’s α = 0.679). Descriptive statistics and Pearson product–moment correlation were computed using SPSS version 26. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
The mean family ecology score was 83.40 ± 10.04, while the mean criminal tendency score was 25.17 ± 3.34. Pearson correlation revealed a weak and statistically non-significant association (r = 0.073, p = 0.812).

Conclusion:
Perceived family ecology was not significantly associated with criminal tendency among youth. Broader ecological determinants may exert stronger influence.