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Runge RA, Soellner R. Cultural Bias in Parent Reports: The Role of Socialization Goals When Parents Report on Their Child's Problem Behavior. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024; 55:1020-1030. [PMID: 36371526 PMCID: PMC11245439 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01464-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
It has been called into question whether widely used screening instruments for child mental health can provide comparable results across countries and cultures. Socialization goals can influence whether and to what extent a parent considers a behavior to be problematic and thus might influence parental reports on their child's behavior. We tested comparability of parental reports between native German (N = 116) and Turkish origin (N = 77) parents in Germany in an online study using a vignette approach. Parents were asked to rate the perceived problem severity of the same behavior depicted in the vignettes. We expected and found that parents of Turkish origin in Germany rate the externalizing problem behaviour depicted in the vignettes as more problematic compared to native German parents. The effect was fully mediated by parental approval of the socialization goals obedience and collectivism. We also controlled for social desirability responding and an extreme response style.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronja A Runge
- Department of Psychology, University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany.
| | - Renate Soellner
- Department of Psychology, University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
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Lee IS, Jeon JH. Factors influencing children's emotional and behavioral problems perceived by North Korean refugee mothers: a descriptive study. CHILD HEALTH NURSING RESEARCH 2024; 30:129-141. [PMID: 38712462 PMCID: PMC11082502 DOI: 10.4094/chnr.2024.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study investigated the relationships between key variables, including the level of parenting knowledge, acculturative stress, depression, and the strengths and difficulties associated with their children's emotions and behavior, among North Korean refugee mothers who faced the challenging task of adapting to Korean society while raising their children. METHODS A descriptive study design was used. Data were collected from 130 North Korean refugee mothers between September and November 2023. RESULTS The participants had very limited parenting knowledge, and 82.3% of them scored 21 or higher on the depression scale used in community epidemiological studies. Higher levels of parenting knowledge and lower levels of depression were associated with lower levels of acculturative stress. Moreover, higher levels of depression were associated with more emotional and behavioral difficulties in children. Maternal depression, age, and employment status were identified as factors that influenced emotional and behavioral problems in preschool-aged children. CONCLUSION These findings underscore the importance of providing parent education and mental health support programs for North Korean refugee families in order to improve parents' parenting skills and emotional well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Sook Lee
- Professor, Department of Nursing, Hannam University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jeong-Hee Jeon
- Visiting Professor, College of Nursing, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
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Wang SM, Yan SQ, Xie FF, Cai ZL, Gao GP, Weng TT, Tao FB. Association of preschool children behavior and emotional problems with the parenting behavior of both parents. World J Clin Cases 2024; 12:1084-1093. [PMID: 38464916 PMCID: PMC10921310 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i6.1084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental behaviors are key in shaping children's psychological and behavioral development, crucial for early identification and prevention of mental health issues, reducing psychological trauma in childhood. AIM To investigate the relationship between parenting behaviors and behavioral and emotional issues in preschool children. METHODS From October 2017 to May 2018, 7 kindergartens in Ma'anshan City were selected to conduct a parent self-filled questionnaire - Health Development Survey of Preschool Children. Children's Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (Parent Version) was applied to measures the children's behavioral and emotional performance. Parenting behavior was evaluated using the Parental Behavior Inventory. Binomial logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between the detection rate of preschool children's behavior and emotional problems and their parenting behaviors. RESULTS High level of parental support/participation was negatively correlated with conduct problems, abnormal hyperactivity, abnormal total difficulty scores and abnormal prosocial behavior problems. High level of maternal support/participation was negatively correlated with abnormal emotional symptoms and abnormal peer interaction in children. High level of parental hostility/coercion was positively correlated with abnormal emotional symptoms, abnormal conduct problems, abnormal hyperactivity, abnormal peer interaction, and abnormal total difficulty scores in children (all P < 0.05). Moreover, paternal parenting behaviors had similarly effects on behavior and emotional problems of preschool children compared with maternal parenting behaviors (all P > 0.05), after calculating ratio of odds ratio values. CONCLUSION Our study found that parenting behaviors are associated with behavioral and emotional issues in preschool children. Overall, the more supportive or involved the parents are, the fewer behavioral and emotional problems the children experience; conversely, the more hostile or controlling the parents are, the more behavioral and emotional problems the children face. Moreover, the impact of fathers' parenting behaviors on preschool children's behavior and emotions is no less significant than that of mothers' parenting behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Mei Wang
- Department of Child Health, Ma’anshan Maternal and Child Health Center, Ma’anshan 243011, Anhui Province, China
| | - Shuang-Qin Yan
- Department of Child Health, Ma’anshan Maternal and Child Health Center, Ma’anshan 243011, Anhui Province, China
| | - Fang-Fang Xie
- Department of Child Health, Ma’anshan Maternal and Child Health Center, Ma’anshan 243011, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zhi-Ling Cai
- Department of Child Health, Ma’anshan Maternal and Child Health Center, Ma’anshan 243011, Anhui Province, China
| | - Guo-Peng Gao
- Department of Child Health, Ma’anshan Maternal and Child Health Center, Ma’anshan 243011, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ting-Ting Weng
- Department of Child Health, Ma’anshan Maternal and Child Health Center, Ma’anshan 243011, Anhui Province, China
| | - Fang-Biao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China
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Bøe T, Ostojic HA, Haraldstad K, Abildsnes E, Wilson P, Vigsnes K, Mølland E. Self-reported and parent-reported mental health in children from low-income families in Agder, Norway: results from baseline measurements of New Patterns project participants. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e076400. [PMID: 38011985 PMCID: PMC10685927 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poverty may pose risks to child and adolescent mental health, but few studies have reported on this association among children and adolescents in low-income families in Norway. METHODS Based on a sample participating in an intervention for low-income families in Norway, we report data from the survey administered at the start of the intervention. Mental health problems were measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; self-report (SR) n = 148; parent/proxy-report (PR) n = 153, mean age = 10.8). Demographic and family characteristics were obtained from parent reported data. Results are presented by gender and migration background. Regression analysis was used to investigate the relative contribution of background factors to mental health symptoms. The distribution of scores is compared to UK norms. RESULTS Participants reported relatively high scores on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) Total Difficulties Scale (parent/proxy-report, PR mean=10.7; self-report, SR mean=10.1). Participants with non-immigrant backgrounds scored considerably higher on the Total Difficulties Scale (PR mean difference=2.9; SR 5.3) and on most other domains measured with the SDQ compared with their peers with immigration backgrounds. Participants generally scored higher than or equal to UK norms. CONCLUSION Participants in the current study had many symptoms of mental health problems, with large differences between those with and without a migrant background. Interventions for low-income families should be based on detailed knowledge about differences in family risks, resources and needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tormod Bøe
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS Forskningsområde Helse, Bergen, Norway
| | - Helene Angelica Ostojic
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Drammen District Psychiatric Center, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Vestre Viken HF, Drammen, Norway
| | - Kristin Haraldstad
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Eirik Abildsnes
- Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Philip Wilson
- Centre for Rural Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Eirin Mølland
- School of Business and Law, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
- NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS Forskningsomrade Samfunn, Bergen, Norway
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Muggli Z, Mertens T, Amado R, Teixeira AL, Vaz D, Pires M, Loureiro H, Fronteira I, Abecassis A, Silva AC, Martins MRO. Cohort profile: Health trajectories of Immigrant Children (CRIAS)-a prospective cohort study in the metropolitan area of Lisbon, Portugal. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061919. [PMID: 36283755 PMCID: PMC9608527 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The CRIAS (Health trajectories of Immigrant Children in Amadora) cohort study was created to explore whether children exposed to a migratory process experience different health risks over time, including physical health, cognitive, socioemotional and behavioural challenges and different healthcare utilisation patterns. PARTICIPANTS The original CRIAS was set up to include 604 children born in 2015, of whom 50% were immigrants, and their parents. Recruitment of 420 children took place between June 2019 and March 2020 at age 4/5 years, with follow-up carried out at age 5/6 years, at age 6/7 years currently under way. FINDINGS TO DATE Baseline data at age 4/5 years (2019-2020) suggested immigrant children to be more likely to belong to families with less income, compared with non-immigrant children. Being a first-generation immigrant child increased the odds of emotional and behavioural difficulties (adjusted OR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.06 to 4.76); more immigrant children required monitoring of items in the psychomotor development test (38.5% vs 28.3%). The prevalence of primary care utilisation was slightly higher among immigrant children (78.0% vs 73.8%), yet they received less health monitoring assessments for age 4 years. Utilisation of the hospital emergency department was higher among immigrants (53.2% vs 40.6%). Age 5 years follow-up (2020-2021) confirmed more immigrant children requiring monitoring of psychomotor development, compared with non-immigrant children (33.9% vs 21.6%). Economic inequalities exacerbated by post-COVID-19 pandemic confinement with parents of immigrant children 3.2 times more likely to have their household income decreased. FUTURE PLANS Further follow-up will take place at 8, 10, 12/13 and 15 years of age. Funds awarded by the National Science Foundation will allow 900 more children from four other Lisbon area municipalities to be included in the cohort (cohort-sequential design).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zélia Muggli
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Thierry Mertens
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Regina Amado
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Lúcia Teixeira
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences (CICS.NOVA), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (NOVA FCSH), NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dora Vaz
- Amadora Primary Care Health Centres Group, Regional Health Administration of Lisbon and Tagus Valley, Ministry of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Melanie Pires
- Amadora Primary Care Health Centres Group, Regional Health Administration of Lisbon and Tagus Valley, Ministry of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Helena Loureiro
- Paediatrics Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando da Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Inês Fronteira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Abecassis
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Carlos Silva
- Public Health Department, Regional Health Administration of Lisbon and Tagus Valley, Ministry of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
- AJPAS-Associação de Intervenção Comunitária, Desenvolvimento Social e de Saúde, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Maria Rosário O Martins
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Fält E, Fabian H, Durbeej N. Parental sociodemographic characteristics and mental health referrals by nurses in Swedish child health centres. Acta Paediatr 2022; 111:1743-1751. [PMID: 35673845 PMCID: PMC9545827 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the influence of parents' socio-economic characteristics on child healthcare nurses' mental health referrals of 3- to 5-year-olds and also to test the association between mental health problems and referrals. METHODS Repeated cross-sectional data including parents' Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) assessments and referral data (psychologist and speech and language pathologist). Hierarchical regression was used to analyse whether parents' country of birth, education level, marital status and mental health problem scores (SDQ; total difficulties and impact scores) were associated with nurses' referrals. RESULTS About 9% of mothers and 12% of fathers rated high SDQ scores (total difficulties) in their children. Approximately, 1% of the children were referred. The influence of parents' socio-economic characteristics on referral rates was not observed. However, for children with Swedish-born mothers, referral rates were significantly lower. Scores for SDQ total difficulties and impact were associated with the child's referral to specialists. CONCLUSION In general, parental sociodemographic characteristics do not influence Swedish child healthcare nurses' mental health referrals. Although there was a significant association between problem behaviour and referral, a disproportion between children rated with high SDQ scores (9% and 12%) and children referred to specialists (1%) should be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Fält
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helena Fabian
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Natalie Durbeej
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Costa D, Biddle L, Bozorgmehr K. Association between psychosocial functioning, health status and healthcare access of asylum seekers and refugee children: a population-based cross-sectional study in a German federal state. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2021; 15:59. [PMID: 34641919 PMCID: PMC8513294 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-021-00411-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mental health condition and healthcare needs of asylum seeking and refugee (ASR) children may go unrecognized if barriers to healthcare access exist accompanied by exclusive focus on somatic illness. We analysed the relationship between psychosocial functioning, health status and healthcare access of ASR children. METHODS During 2018, 560 ASR adults in 58 collective accommodations in Germany's 3rd largest federal state were randomly sampled and assessed. The parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess child psychosocial functioning. SDQ dimensions (Emotional, Conduct, Peer, Hyperactivity, Prosocial, Total) were compared by demographics (sex, age, region of origin, time since arrival, subjective social status), health status (long-lasting illness, physical limitation, pain) and healthcare access (utilization: paediatrician, specialist, dentist, psychologist, hospital/emergency department, prescribed medicines; and unmet needs: for paediatrician/specialist, reduced spending to cover healthcare cost). Age and sex-adjusted odds ratios (AOR, 95%CI-Confidence Intervals) for scoring in borderline/abnormal ranges in SDQ dimensions were estimated through logistic regression depending on children' health status and healthcare access. RESULTS We analysed parents' answers pertaining to 90 children aged 1-17 years old, 57% of which were girls and 58% with (Eastern or Western) Asian nationality. Scoring in the borderline/abnormal range of the SDQ Total Difficulties score was associated with feeling bodily pain (compared to no pain, AOR, 95%CI = 3.14, 1.21-8.10) and with an unmet need for a specialist during the previous year (4.57, 1.09-19.16). Borderline/abnormal SDQ Emotional scores were positively associated with a long-lasting illness (5.25, 1.57-17.55), physical limitation (4.28, 1.49-12.27) and bodily pain (3.00, 1.10-8.22), and negatively associated with visiting a paediatrician (0.23, 0.07-0.78), specialist (0.16, 0.04-0.69), and the emergency department (0.27, 0.08-0.96). CONCLUSION Poor psychosocial functioning among ASR children is associated with somatic problems, unmet medical needs, and lower healthcare utilisation. Somatic clinical encounters with ASR should include children' mental health symptomatology assessment, especially in those with worst physical health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Costa
- Department of Population Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, P.o. Box 10 01 31, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Louise Biddle
- Section of Health Equity Studies & Migration, Dept. of General Practice & Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kayvan Bozorgmehr
- Department of Population Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, P.o. Box 10 01 31, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany
- Section of Health Equity Studies & Migration, Dept. of General Practice & Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Measuring depression in adolescence: Evaluation of a hierarchical factor model of the Children's Depression Inventory and measurement invariance across boys and girls. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249943. [PMID: 33831100 PMCID: PMC8031460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most widely used instruments to measure depression in childhood and adolescence is Kovacs's Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Even though this particular measure sparked massive interest among researchers, there is no clear consensus about its factorial structure. It has been suggested that inconsistencies in findings can be partly ascribed to the cultural context. The aim of this study was a) to examine and verify the factor structure of CDI in the Czech population and b) to assess gender-related psychometric differences using the mean and covariance structure (MACS) approach and differential item functioning (DIF) analysis. METHODS The research sample consisted of 1,515 adolescents (ages 12 to 16 years, 53.7% female) from a non-clinical general population. Based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on a random subsample (N = 500), we proposed a model that was subsequently tested on the rest of the sample (N = 1,015) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Following the MACS procedure, we assessed measurement invariance in boys and girls. The between-group comparison was further supplemented by a DIF analysis. RESULTS The proposed hierarchical four-factor model (General Symptoms, Negative Self-Concept, Inefficiency, and Social Anhedonia) with a second-order factor of depression fitted the data reasonably well (χ2 = 1281.355; df = 320; RMSEA = 0.054, CFI = 0.925). Regarding gender differences, we found no substantial signs of measurement invariance using the MACS approach. Boys and girls differed in first-order latent means (girls scored higher on General Symptoms with a standardized mean difference of 0.52 and on Negative Self-Concept with a standardized mean difference of 0.31). DIF analysis identified three items with differential functioning. However, the levels of differential functioning were only marginal (in two items) or marginal/moderate and the presence of DIF does not substantially influence scoring of CDI. CONCLUSION In the general adolescent population in the Czech Republic, the CDI can be considered a reliable instrument for screening purposes in clinical settings and for use in research practice. Instead of the originally proposed five-factor model, we recommend using the newly established four-factor structure. The measure seems to show only marginal psychometric differences with respect to gender, and overall measurement invariance in boys and girls seems to be a tenable assumption.
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Muggli Z, Mertens T, -Sá S, Amado R, Teixeira AL, Vaz D, O. Martins MR. Migration as a Determinant in the Development of Children Emotional and Behavior Problems: A Quantitative Study for Lisbon Region, Portugal. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18020375. [PMID: 33418982 PMCID: PMC7825293 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The role of migration as a determinant in child mental health has been demonstrated in a number of studies. However, results are not always consistent, and the research continues to be scarce, especially in Portugal. We examined the association between sociodemographic profiles and the chance for the development of emotional and behavioral difficulties in a group of 420 children, immigrant (n = 217) and born in Portugal to Portuguese born parents (n = 203). We used a structured questionnaire to obtain sociodemographic information and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize children and their families; variables were compared between groups using the Chi-squared, Fisher’s Exact Test, or the Mann–Whitney U test and logistic regression was used to analyze the association between socio-demographic factors and emotional and behavioral difficulties. Results showed a pattern of social and mental health inequalities with immigrant children at a disadvantage: they are more often part of families with low income and where parents had low skilled jobs. Internalizing behaviors are more frequent in immigrants than in children born in Portugal to Portuguese-born parents (p = 0.001) whereas a high total SDQ difficulties score (p = 0.039) and externalizing behaviors were more frequent in 1st generation immigrant children (p = 0.009). A low family income (aOR 4.5; 95% CI: 1.43–13.95), low parental education level (aOR 2.5; 95% CI: 1.11–5.16), and being a first-generation immigrant child (aOR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.06–4.76) increased significantly the chance of developing emotional and behavioral difficulties. This study contributes to the identification of children vulnerable to mental health problems who can benefit from monitoring, early detection and preventive interventions in order to mitigate possible negative outcomes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zélia Muggli
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (Z.M.); (T.M.); (S.-S.); (R.A.)
| | - Thierry Mertens
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (Z.M.); (T.M.); (S.-S.); (R.A.)
| | - Silva -Sá
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (Z.M.); (T.M.); (S.-S.); (R.A.)
| | - Regina Amado
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (Z.M.); (T.M.); (S.-S.); (R.A.)
| | - Ana L. Teixeira
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences (CICS.NOVA), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (NOVA FCSH), 1070-312 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Dora Vaz
- Amadora Primary Care Health Centers Group, Regional Health Administration of Lisbon and Tagus Valley, 2700-856 Amadora, Portugal;
| | - Maria Rosário O. Martins
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (Z.M.); (T.M.); (S.-S.); (R.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Klein EM, Müller KW, Wölfling K, Dreier M, Ernst M, Beutel ME. The relationship between acculturation and mental health of 1st generation immigrant youth in a representative school survey: does gender matter? Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2020; 14:29. [PMID: 32695221 PMCID: PMC7368737 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-020-00334-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although gender plays a pivotal role in the psychological adaptation of immigrant youth, its association with acculturation strategy and mental health among 1st generation immigrant adolescents are still scarce and inconsistent. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate gender-related differences in acculturation patterns and their association with mental health (internalizing and externalizing problems). METHODS Self-reported data of immigrant adolescents (N = 440) aged between 12 and 19 years (M = 16.2; SD = 1.6) was collected in a representative German school survey. Fifty-one percent of the sample were female (n = 224). Almost half of the sample was born in the Former Soviet Union, followed by Poland (9.3%). Sociodemographic variables, acculturation strategies, and internalizing as well as externalizing problems were assessed by questionnaires. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis supported the four- dimensional model of acculturation styles (assimilation, integration, separation and marginalization). Whereas girls more often showed an integration pattern, boys scored higher on the separation and marginalization scale. After adjusting for age and educational level, regression analyses revealed for both gender that marginalization was associated with more internalizing problems. Separation was related to more externalizing problems. CONCLUSION 1st generation adolescents experiencing a lack of belongingness to German society, socio-economic and educational disadvantages might be particularly vulnerable to mental distress. Findings are discussed in terms of gender-related differential socialization processes in context of immigration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M. Klein
- grid.410607.4Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Kai W. Müller
- grid.410607.4Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Klaus Wölfling
- grid.410607.4Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Dreier
- grid.410607.4Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mareike Ernst
- grid.410607.4Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Manfred E. Beutel
- grid.410607.4Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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