Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Adolescents from Bahia, Brazil

This study examines the associations between sociodemographic and family environment factors, and adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems in a socioeconomically disadvantaged community in the northeastern state of Bahia, Brazil. Three-hundred and forty-four adolescents, age 11 to 18 (mean age = 13.6 years) responded to a school-based survey that assessed sociodemographic indicators of risk (e.g., race, parental marital status, parental education, parental employment), intrinsic religiosity, family conflict, and family cohesion. Results indicate that high family cohesion and low family conflict are associated with lower risk for probable internalizing and externalizing disorders among girls but not boys. This gender difference is particularly important as it suggests that mechanisms of risk and protection vary for boys and girls. These findings shed light on risk factors in adolescence in the context of vast socioeconomic disparity found in Brazil.