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The impact of parent-child conflict and peer conformity on antisocial behaviours in adolescents in Singapore
Author
Thia, Jie Si
Supervisor
Huan, Vivien Swee Leng
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have consistently identified parent-child and peer relationships as key factors that are linked to escalating problem behaviors throughout development. Given that most of the research had centered on population samples in Western countries, the results may not be generalizable to a country such as Singapore due to the potential differences in relationship dynamics in an Asian culture and the country’s strict laws on criminality and drug abuse. The current study is part of an ongoing larger national longitudinal study to investigate for the trajectory of antisocial behaviors in Singapore children and youths. Using a cross-sectional research design with a sample of secondary school students in Singapore, this paper presents the findings based on self-report measures to explore the impact of parent-child conflict and peer conformity on the presentation of internalizing and externalizing antisocial behaviors in adolescents.
The study found that parent-child conflicts predicted both externalizing and internalizing antisocial behaviors. Peer conformity predicted only externalizing antisocial behaviors but not internalizing antisocial behaviors. Significant gender differences were established, where internalizing antisocial behaviors were more highly associated with female adolescents and males presented with higher levels of delinquent behaviors as compared to female adolescents. Levels of aggression were similar for both males and females. The results highlight the importance of multi-systemic intervention to prevent adverse effects of antisocial behaviors and improve psychosocial competence in children and youths.
The study found that parent-child conflicts predicted both externalizing and internalizing antisocial behaviors. Peer conformity predicted only externalizing antisocial behaviors but not internalizing antisocial behaviors. Significant gender differences were established, where internalizing antisocial behaviors were more highly associated with female adolescents and males presented with higher levels of delinquent behaviors as compared to female adolescents. Levels of aggression were similar for both males and females. The results highlight the importance of multi-systemic intervention to prevent adverse effects of antisocial behaviors and improve psychosocial competence in children and youths.
Date Issued
2017
Call Number
BF723.P25 Thi
Date Submitted
2017