Family involvement, problem and prosocial behavior outcomes of Latino youth.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relations between familial factors and behavioral outcomes in Latino adolescents using a youth development framework.

METHODS

A convenience sample of Latino youth (n = 446) completed an anonymous survey. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the associations between levels of family involvement and problem and prosocial behavior outcomes.

RESULTS

Higher levels of parental monitoring and familial connectedness were consistently associated with less problem-behavior involvement. Sociocultural encouragement was consistently associated with more prosocial-behavior involvement.

CONCLUSION

The family context is critical to the prevention of problem behaviors and the promotion of prosocial behaviors among Latino adolescents.