Do Kurdistanian and Swedish parents and children differ in their rating of competence and behavioural problems?

Abstract

Objective: This paper investigates child self-rating of behavioural problems and competence as compared with their parents' ratings, in comparative samples of Kurdistanian refugee children in Sweden and a group of Swedish children. Method: Kurdistanian and Swedish comparative samples composed of 32 children each matched in age, sex and trauma level, in the same community, and their parents. Among a large battery of instruments, the child behavioural checklist (CBCL) was used in separate interviews with parents and their children. Results: When compared to the children's self-reported problems scores, the Swedish parents reported significantly lower scores than their children, compared to the Kurdistanian refugee parents. Conclusion: Regardless of cultural backgrounds, there were more similarities than differences in the children's reporting of their behavioural problems and competence. The discrepancy between the Swedish parents' estimation of their children's behavioural problems and the children's self-reported behavioural problems could be an effect of the individualistic nature of Swedish society compared with the more collective nature of Kurdistanian culture. However, the results should be considered hypothesis generating rather than conclusive.