Longitudinal associations between adolescent behaviour problems and perceived family relationships

Abstract

The goal of the present study was to examine the longitudinal associations between perceived family relationships and adolescents’ externalizing/ internalizing problems. The study sample included 366 pupils from secondary schools in Latvia, 12-14 years of age, who completed self-report questionnaires. Data were collected in two assessments 1 year apart. The results indicate that elevations in adolescent problem behavior prospectively predicted subsequent decreases in perceived family cohesion and increases in family conflict. The effect of perceived family cohesion and conflict as assessed at Time1 was not statistically significant in prediction of Time2 adolescent behaviour problems.