Family correlates of adolescents' emotional/behavioural problems: Evidence from a Greek school-based sample

Aim: To investigate the associations of some family characteristics with adolescents' self-reported emotional/behavioural problems. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to a Greek nation-wide random sample of adolescents (N = 1194) aged 11-18 years and their parents (N = 973) in 2003. The present analysis included the questionnaires completed by mothers and their offspring (639 families). Adolescents' emotional/behavioural problems, as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, were assessed in relation to family socioeconomic status and residence type, parental marital status, educational attainment and subjective mental health, family cohesion and parent-child relations. Results: The analysis showed that parental marital status other than being married, poor parent-child relations and low levels of maternal subjective mental health were independently correlated with significantly more adolescents' emotional/behavioural problems. Conclusion: Family factors are potential determinants of adolescent emotional/behavioural problems and therefore are potential targets for prevention and/or intervention. © 2009 Foundation Acta Pædiatrica.