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 the prevention of problem behaviors and the promotion of prosocial behaviors among Latino adolescents. (authors)