Sociodemographic differences in 10-year time trends of emotional and behavioural problems among adolescents attending secondary schools in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Cornelia Leontine Van Vuuren,Marcel F Van Der Wal,Daan G Uitenbroek,Mai J M Chinapaw

doi:10.1007/s00787-018-1157-5

Cornelia Leontine Van Vuuren, Marcel F Van Der Wal + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-018-1157-5

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Abstract

Societal change in western societies may impact emotional and behavioural problems of adolescents. Firm epidemiological evidence of changes in emotional and behavioural problems during the last decade is lacking. Insight into secular changes in emotional and behavioural problems among adolescents from various sociodemographic groups is crucial for adequate and targeted policy making. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine 10-year time trends in emotional and behavioural problems among adolescents, and potential differences in time trends between sociodemographic groups. Analyses were based on annually repeated cross-sectional data including 56,159 multi-ethnic students (13–14 years old) in the second year of various levels of secondary education in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, using the internationally validated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. In general, emotional and behavioural problems increased over a 10-year time period (i.e., relative increase of total difficulties by 19%). This increase was mainly due to an increase in hyperactivity/inattention problems, while peer-relationship problems decreased. Time trends differed somewhat by sex: total difficulties and emotional problems increased in girls but remained fairly stable in boys. In Amsterdam, emotional and behavioural problems in adolescents seemingly increased over time, especially hyperactivity/inattention problems. Further research is needed to clarify the underlying causes. We cannot totally exclude potential confounders underlying our findings. Our findings can inform policies to target health programs at sociodemographic groups at increased risk.

Highlights

Societal change in western societies may impact emotional and behavioural problems of adolescents
We examined 10-year time trends in emotional and behavioural problems among 13–14-year-old multi-ethnic Dutch adolescents in Amsterdam at 1-year time points using the internationally validated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and differences in these time trends between sociodemographic groups
The time trends in emotional and behavioural problems among adolescents in Amsterdam varied according to type of problem

Summary

Introduction

Societal change in western societies may impact emotional and behavioural problems of adolescents. Serious emotional and behavioural problems usually begin during adolescence and have implications for daily life, such as school attendance, ability to learn, substance use, violence, and social relations. Emotional and behavioural problems among adolescents tend to persist into adulthood. Addressing adolescents’ social–emotional needs is important for a healthy personal development, to prevent health and mental health problems later in life, and to improve social participation [6, 8,9,10]. The abovementioned societal changes and the associated changes in emotional and behavioural problems may vary among adolescents from different sociodemographic groups. Epidemiological evidence of changes in the incidence of adolescent psychopathology across the last decade is lacking.

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