Twee voorspellers voor externaliserend probleemgedrag en de verschillen tussen jongens en meisjes.

Abstract

Introduction. A divorce has many consequences for both parents and children. Children from divorced families are at much higher risk for displaying externalizing problem behavior than children whose parents are not divorced. Gender differences may also play a role when looking at the display of externalizing problems. Research on parent-child relationships and family structure as predictors for externalizing problems, is important for developing specific interventions and treatments. The goal of the present study is to investigate which factor is the best predictor for the externalizing problems and the influences of gender on the display of externalizing problems. The focus will be on aggressive behavior, delinquency and oppositional behavior in school settings. Method. In this study 2374 high-school students participated by reporting about their family structure through the questionnaire ' Scholieren en Gezinnen, Vragenlijst voor Scholieren 2013' . A multiple regression analysis was used for testing the effects of family structure and parent-child relationship, and the interaction-effects of gender x family structure and gender x parent-child relationship. Results. The quality of the parent-child relationship is the best predictor for the display of aggression, delinquency and oppositional problem behavior at school. Girls from intact families report less display of aggressive behavior, delinquency and oppositional behavior in school settings than girls from divorced families. This is similar for boys, except for aggression. Boys from intact families report more aggressive behavior than boys from divorced families. Overall, boys report more externalizing problem behavior than girls. Conclusion. Parent-child relationship is a better predictor for displaying externalizing problem behavior than family structure. Gender also plays a significant role combined with family structure in the display of externalizing problem behavior.