Home Environment and Self-Esteem: Comparative Study among Delinquent and Normal Boys

Juvenile delinquency is one of the prevalent issues of modern society. The purpose of this study was to compare the family environment and self esteem of delinquent and normal boys. Sample comprised of 30 delinquent and 30 normal boys. Their age ranging from 11-15 years. The data was gathered by using Home environment inventory (Dr. Misra S K) and Rosenberg self-esteem scale (Rosenberg, 1965).Home environment inventory was used to measure the psycho-social climate of home as perceived by children. By using t-test, it was found that there is significant difference between home environment of delinquents and normal boys in the following dimensions-control, protectiveness, punishment, conformity, social isolation, reward, deprivation of privileges, nurturance and rejection. It was also found that there is significance difference between self-esteem of delinquents and normal boys.