Behavioral Problems Among Young Adolescents in the Family and Neighborhood Context: a Case Control Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: This study aimed to determine whether family and neighborhood social cohesion directly or indirectly impact the reduction of behavioral problems, including internalizing and externalizing behaviors in young adolescents. From a systemic approach, adolescent behavioral problems are influenced by family cohesion and mediated by neighborhood social cohesion. Methods: Data from 700 parents of adolescents aged 10–13 years from southern Poland were analyzed. Within the total, 207 adolescents had diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The structural equation modeling (SEM) approach, adjusting for financial situation and ADHD was used. Gender, ADHD, single-parent household, presence of siblings, and social media use were explored as moderators via stratified SEM models. The data come from the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), the Family Adaptation and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES-IV), and the Brief Form of the Perceived Neighborhood Social Cohesion Questionnaire (PNSC-BF). Results: Family and neighborhood social cohesion were both related to behavioral problems. Neighborhood social cohesion was a significant mediator of the relationship between family cohesion and internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Presence of siblings was a significant moderator for the indirect effect on externalizing behaviors. Conclusion: The findings of the study support the thesis, that family and neighborhood social cohesion serve as protective factors for adolescent behavioral problems. Clinical Trial: The clinical trial identifier is NCT04574414.