Exploring the behavior of juveniles and young adults raised by custodial grandmothers

The present study compares behaviors of youth raised by a custodial grandmother, biological mother, or other female caregiver from adolescence to young adulthood using data from Waves I, II, and III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) data set. Caregiver type was not significantly related to antisocial behavior. However, respondents who were raised by a custodial grandmother reported being stopped by police more times than those respondents raised by their biological mothers. The effect of parenting characteristics such as warmth, control, and involvement by a custodial grandmother may operate differently than in a biological mother-headed household. •Respondents and caregivers were interviewed from adolescence to young adulthood.•Antisocial behavior of youth raised by various female caregivers was explored.•Youth raised by custodial grandmothers did not engage in more delinquent behavior.•Youth raised by custodial grandmothers reported being stopped by police more often.•Directions for future research regarding custodial grandmothers are discussed.