Parental attachment, self-esteem, and antisocial behaviors among African American, European American, and Mexican American adolescents

This study examined the relation of mother and father attachment to self-esteem and self-reported involvement in antisocial behaviors among African American (n = 488), European American (n = 661), and Mexican American (n = 434) high school students. The attachment dimensions of anxiety and avoidance were examined using self-report scales that were developed and validated with participants in the study. Findings indicated that adolescents from the 3 ethnic/racial groups did not differ greatly in their reported attachment to father and mother. Consistent with theoretical formulations, securely attached adolescents from the 3 ethnic groups had a more positive sense of self-esteem and reported less involvement in antisocial behaviors than their less securely attached peers.