Family Cohesion and Emotional–Behavioral Problems in Pakistani Young Children: A Moderating Role of Interpersonal Skills

Abstract

This study investigates the moderating role of interpersonal skills in the relationship between family cohesion and emotional–behavioral problems (EBPs) in a sample of 1,452 (boys = 46% ; girls = 54%) adolescents, between the ages of 12 and 19 years ( M = 15.11, SD = 1.33) was selected through multistage sampling technique from Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi (urbanized cities of Pakistan). Interpersonal Skills Scale (IPSS), Family Cohesion Scale (FCS), and School Children Problems Scale (SCPS) were used to assess the interpersonal skills, family cohesion, and EBPs, respectively. Results suggested that interpersonal skills significantly moderated the relationship between family cohesion and EBPs. Results of the study are discussed by considering the manifestation and expression of interpersonal skills, family cohesion, and EBPs in adolescents of collectivistic cultures.