Associations of parent-adolescent relationship and self-esteem with emotional and behavioral problems among Chinese adolescents

Abstract

Background: This study aimed at exploring the associations of parent-adolescent relationship and self-esteem with emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) among Chinese adolescents using a large-scale nationally questionnaire survey data from China.

Methods: Obtained from China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) 2018, the research data involved 2400 adolescents aged 10-15. Multiple linear regression analysis and the PROCESS macro were used for examining the mediating effect of self-esteem on the associations of parent-adolescent relationship with EBPs.

Results: After controlling the potential confounding factors, parent-adolescent relationship and self-esteem were significantly associated with EBPs (P < 0.01). Correlation analysis results showed that parent-adolescent relationship (r = -0.116, P < 0.01) and self-esteem (r = -0.209, P < 0.01) were negatively correlated with EBPs. Self-esteem partially mediated the associations of parent-adolescent relationship with EBPs among Chinese adolescents.

Limitations: The cross-sectional design limited the ability to make causal inferences.

Conclusions: Positive parent-adolescent relationship and high self-esteem contributed to fewer EBPs of adolescents. Parent-adolescent relationship predicted EBPs partially mediated by self-esteem. Establishing positive parent-adolescent relationship and improving individual self-esteem may thus be promising targets for intervention in adolescents with EBPs.

Keywords: Adolescents; Chinese; Emotional and behavioral problems; Parent-adolescent relationship; Self-esteem.