Effect of pro-social behaviour and conduct problems on the relationship between limiting longstanding illness and negative emotional symptoms in children

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore direct and moderating effects of pro-social behaviour and conduct problems on the link between limiting longstanding illness (LL-I) and negative emotional symptoms in children.Design/methodology/approachThe Welsh Health Survey variables: LL-I, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, pro-social behaviour, gender, age and socio-economic status were entered into regression models to assess the relationships outlined above. Cross-sectional data from several years were combined.FindingsIn the cohort of 627 children aged 4–12 years who had LL-I, 601 (95.9 per cent) had complete data for analysis. Children with LL-I scored a mean of 1.8 points higher on negative emotional symptoms than children without LL-I, with LL-I accounting for 6 per cent of the variance in emotional symptoms in a regression model. In children with LL-I, highly pro-social children had lower levels of negative emotional symptoms compared to those with low pro-social levels (1.1 points on emotional symptoms scale, 95% CI=0.55–1.70;p<0.001). In children with LL-I, high levels of conduct problems were associated with increased negative emotional symptoms compared to those with low levels of conduct disorder (2.1 points on emotional symptoms scale, 95% CI=1.3–2.5;p<0.001).Research limitations/implicationsPotential improvements include a longitudinal design, and use of multi-informant Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire scores.Practical implicationsAssessment of children with LL-I could usefully include pro-social behaviours.Social implicationsNational policy could consider the value of promoting pro-social responses.Originality/valueEmotional symptoms in children with LL-I are associated with pro-social behaviour and conduct problems, primarily as a direct effect. Pro-social interventions could promote emotional wellbeing in children with LL-I.