De Rol van Gezinsstructuur in Internaliserend en Externaliserend Probleemgedrag bij Adolescenten

Abstract

Background: Family structure after divorce is consistently associated with internalizing and externalizing problem behavior. Research suggests that adolescents who experience multiple family transitions can have a chance of facing even worse developmental outcomes. Moreover, the role of gender in the differences of adolescents reported problem behavior is still indistinct. Purpose: This study examines possible differences in internalizing and externalizing problem behavior of adolescents from intact families, single-parent families and stepfamilies. In addition, the role of gender is examined to see if there are possible differences in problem behavior in relation to family structure. Methods: Data from a cross-sequential study of 7809 selectively recruited high school students in the age of 12 to 17 years old (M = 13.55), is collected from 2006 to 2013 and analyzed by an ANOVA and a MANOVA. Results: Adolescents from divorced families report significantly higher levels of internalizing and externalizing problem behavior than adolescents from intact families. A mutual comparison between adolescents from intact, single-parent and stepfamilies shows no considerable difference in problem behavior between these groups. There is no interaction effect evident in gender and family structure on internalizing problem behavior. However, boys from intact families, single-parent families and stepfamilies show significantly more externalizing problem behavior than girls, which reflects an interaction effect. Conclusion: Family structure and gender are associated with the level of problem behavior. This study found some support for the assumption that multiple family transitions can lead to more problem behavior. Further research in this direction is required.