Family Dysfunction of Out-of-Control Teenage Girls: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Changes in family environment impacted by globalization and technology advancement posed a challenge in teenagers’ self-development. As the core agency concerning children protection, rehabilitation and care, the Malaysia Social Welfare Department is constantly being referred to by parents facing the problem of having to deal with their children’s out-of-control behaviour. This preliminary study utilises the qualitative case study approach aimed at exploring the social dysfunction elements of the families of teenage girls who are beyond-control. All informants were purposefully selected. Selection is limited only to those out-of-control teenagegirl cases. All selected informants are at the range of 13 to 18 years old and living under one roof with their families at the time when this study was conducted. Data were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis method. Our study reveals two dysfunctional family characteristics (i) ineffective communication within the family; and (ii) lack of care and love in the family. This study concludes that family dysfunctional elements are found to be closely related to out-of-control risk factors. The teenagers were found to be facing great challenges living in dysfunctional families. As such, the role of family social workers becomes very critical in helping teenage girls live more positively and in enabling them to deal with their problems so as to live a more meaningful and prosperous life.