The Association between Perceptions of Ethnic Discrimination from Teachers, Adults and Peers and Internalizing and Externalizing Problems among Adolescents

Abstract

This thesis examines the associations between perceived discrimination from teachers, adults and peers and internalizing and externalizing problems among Dutch adolescents while also examining gender as a moderator in these associations. In doing so, more clarity can be provided about whether the source of perceived discrimination matters for the association with adolescents mental health. Data from the 2017 Dutch HBSC survey were used, with a sample of 8,190 11- to 16-year-old Dutch adolescents. Multiple separate linear regression showed that perceived discrimination from all three sources was positively associated with internalizing and externalizing problems among adolescents, with a stronger association between perceived discrimination and conduct problems in comparison to emotional problems. Furthermore, significant gender differences were found in the association between perceptions of discrimination and externalizing problems, with stronger associations for boys than for girls.