The Moderating Role of Parental Support on Internalizing Problems and Self-Concept in Adolescents

Abstract

Background. Several studies emphasize that internalizing problems can hinder the development of a clear self-concept in adolescents. The theory of the buffering model states that parental support can buffer against harmful effects, so that self-concept can still be promoted. Aim. Current longitudinal research aimed to provide information on how internalizing problems and self-concept in adolescents were related, and whether parental support moderated this relationship. Method. The research used data from the longitudinal research project RADAR. The sample consisted of 433 adolescents who had a mean age of 13 years at the first measurement. Results. The multiple regression analysis indicated that internalizing problems were a significant predictor of self-concept. Adolescents with more internalizing problems had, on average, a less clear self-concept one year later. However, parental support was not found to be a moderator. There was, however, a main effect of parental support on self-concept. For example, more parental support predicted a clearer self-concept in general. Conclusion. Internalizing problems appear to be a risk factor for the development of self-concept in adolescents. In intervention and/or treatment programs aimed at the self-concept, it is important for the effectiveness to also focus on the internalizing problems. The findings emphasize the importance of collecting scientific information about the role of parents in this process. For further research, it is recommended to operationalize parental support differently and to separate the support from fathers and mothers. In addition, it is recommended to distinguish between anxiety and depression.