Impact of Parental Negligence and Marital Conflict on Juvenile Delinquency, a Study of Akure Metropolis, Ondo State Nigeria

This study examines the Impact of parental negligence and marital conflict on juvenile delinquency, by addressing the root causes of juvenile delinquency, this study contributes to efforts aimed at promoting social cohesion and reducing crime rates in Akure Metropolis. Understanding how family-related issues contribute to delinquency can help communities develop strategies to strengthen family units and foster environments that are conducive to positive youth development. The study made use of existing literatures that review the concept of juvenile delinquency, parental negligence and marital conflict, the theoretical review involves the social control theory and attachment theory which explains the etiology of juvenile delinquency in Akure Metropolis. The methodology includes survey Research Design, Four (4) research questions which were raised for the study were answered descriptively using frequency count, percentage and weighted mean as well as three(3) null hypothesis formulated and tested using ANOVA at 0.05 level of significant. One hundred and fifty nine (159) structured questionnaire was designed by the researcher and administered to respondents in Akure Metropolis comprising of Juveniles, Parents and Key Informants. The questionnaire contained two sections, Section A contains personal bio-data of the respondents while the Section B contains twenty(20) research items in alignment with the research questions and objectives. The descriptive analysis of the study established that there is a significant relationship between parental negligence and juvenile delinquency, it established that neglected children were more likely to associate with delinquent peers, which in turn increased their likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. The recommendation is therefore given to be positively considered; Parents should be more actively involved in their children’s lives by regularly monitoring their activities, academic progress, and social interactions. This can help detect early signs of problematic behavior and provide opportunities for guidance.