The relationship between parenting behavior, the externalizing problems of youth in multi-problem families and the presence of an informal mentor.

Abstract

In general, multi-problem youth have a higher risk of developing externalizing problems. Parenting behavior and the presence of an informal mentor are also related to this development. Current cross-sectional study investigated whether the levels of externalizing problems are different for youth with and without an informal mentor. In addition, the relationship between parenting behavior on externalizing problems has been investigated. Finally, it was investigated whether this relationship is different for youth with an informal mentor. The participants in the current study are 91 multi-problem youth between 12 and 18 years old ( = 15.26, 48.4% girls), who receive ambulatory youth- and family care. These youth completed a self-report questionnaire about the externalizing problems. In addition, 15 fathers and 56 mothers of these youth completed a self-report questionnaire about their parenting behavior. The data is analysed by conducting an independent samples t-test and multiple hierarchical regressions. In these results showed externalizing problems in youth is no different for youth with and without an informal mentor. In addition, no relationship has been found between parenting behaviour and externalizing problems in youth and this relationship was no different for youth with and without an informal mentor. Although no significant relationships have been found, current research contributes to increase knowledge about this specific target group. For follow-up research, it is recommended to add the relationship quality between the youth and the informal mentor, the role of friends and gender.