What role do family composition and functioning play in emotional and behavioural problems among adolescent boys and girls?

Katerina Paclikova (), Zuzana Dankulincova Veselska, Daniela Filakovska Bobakova, Michaela Palfiova and Andrea Madarasova Geckova
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Katerina Paclikova: PJ Safarik University in Kosice
Zuzana Dankulincova Veselska: PJ Safarik University in Kosice
Daniela Filakovska Bobakova: PJ Safarik University in Kosice
Michaela Palfiova: PJ Safarik University in Kosice
Andrea Madarasova Geckova: PJ Safarik University in Kosice

International Journal of Public Health, 2019, vol. 64, issue 2, No 9, 209-217

Abstract: Abstract Objectives The aim was to explore the associations of family composition, family support and communication with emotional and behavioural problems among adolescents as well as a possible moderating effect of gender on these associations. Methods Data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study conducted in 2014 in Slovakia were used. The final sample consisted of 2908 students (mean age 14.36; 49.7% boys). We explored the association using generalized linear models. Results We found that non-intact family was significantly associated with a higher score in emotional and behavioural problems. Family support and communication were found to be significantly associated with a lower score in emotional and behavioural problems. Significant interactions of gender and family communication with emotional and behavioural problems were found, showing that family communication decreased emotional and behavioural problems only in girls. Conclusions Family composition, family support and communication play an important role in the occurrence of emotional and behavioural problems in adolescence. Family communication lowers these problems only in girls. Prevention and intervention programmes could be focused on parent–child communication strategies with the importance of differences in the needs of boys and girls.

Keywords: Adolescence; Family composition; Family support; Family communication; Emotional and behavioural problems; Gender (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-018-1171-x

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