Parental Divorce and Delinquent Behavior: A Study of Mogadishu, Somalia
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Date
2024
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Abstract
The study examined the effects of parental divorce on delinquent behaviors among families in Mogadishu, Somalia, with the following objectives to examine the effects of cooperative co-parenting on delinquent behavior among families in Mogadishu, Somalia, to assess the effects of parallel co-parenting on delinquent behavior among families in Mogadishu, Somalia and to determine the effects of conflicted co-parenting on delinquent behavior among families in Mogadishu, Somalia. This study was guided by the Social Learning Theory. The researcher used descriptive cross sectional research design, this study targeted a population of 716,380 respondents, of the total target population of the study, the researcher selected a sample of 400 respondents, this number was arrived at by use of the Slovene’s formula. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide. From the first objective, the study findings revealed that respondents perceive a strong positive impact of cooperative co-parenting on reducing delinquent behavior among children in Mogadishu. On the second objective the findings suggest that respondents believe that parallel co-parenting can have a positive impact on reducing delinquent behavior among children in Mogadishu. The high levels of agreement on the ability of parallel co-parenting to reduce stress and anxiety, provide clear boundaries and responsibilities, and minimize parental conflict indicate that these are key mechanisms through which parallel co-parenting can contribute to the prevention of delinquency. On the third objective the findings suggest that respondents generally agree with the negative impacts of conflicted co-parenting on delinquent behavior among children in Mogadishu. The high levels of agreement on the increased likelihood of children exhibiting behavioral issues, experiencing stress and anxiety, and engaging in delinquent activities due to exposure to parental conflict and hostility indicate that these are key mechanisms through which conflicted co-parenting can contribute to the development of delinquent behavior. From the findings and concludes made the study recommended that social workers, family counselors, and parenting educators should immediately and continuously implement programs that educate and support parents on the benefits and strategies of cooperative co-parenting. These programs should focus on communication skills, conflict resolution, and collaborative parenting techniques. Offering these initiatives through community centers, schools, and local NGOs can equip parents with the necessary tools to foster a cooperative co-parenting environment, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of their children engaging in delinquent behavior.