Abstract:
The increasing rate of juvenile delinquency has become a major social problem globally and
locally. Researchers and concerned individuals have traced the preponderance of juvenile
delinquency to the increasing rate of family instability among other factors. However, concerted
inquiries into the influence of family instability on juvenile delinquency have resulted in a raging
controversy. While some researchers have found a significant relationship between family
instability and juvenile delinquency, others have suggested otherwise. Against this backdrop, this
study set out to fill this yawning gap in literature and also to examine the relationship between
family instability and juvenile delinquency in Owerri Municipality. Using the purposive sampling
method, 510 senior secondary school students were selected for this study from 10
comprehensive secondary schools in Owerri Municipality. The questionnaire and the interview
guide were used for data collection. 3 hypotheses were formulated to guide this study. The
hypotheses were tested with the chi-square (x2) statistic. The results of the analyses suggested
that children from unstable homes were more likely to engage in juvenile delinquency than their
counterparts from more stable homes; inadequate parental supervision predicted delinquency
while considerable familial conflicts increased the likelihood of delinquency. This study
recommended among other things that Governments, counselors and concerned agencies should
routinely develop programmes aimed at sensitizing parents and care-givers on parent roles and
obligations.
