Family relations, dysfunctional cognitions, and child emotional and behavioral problems

Abstract

Family relationships are extremely important for human development and may act as either protective or risk factors for the emergence of dysfunctional cognitions and emotional and behavioral problems (EBP). This study aimed to investigate the relationships between perception of family conflict and affectivity, dysfunctional cognitions, and the EBP of 371 adolescents aged 11 to 16 years, as well as the mediating role played by dysfunctional cognitions in the relationship between family perception and EBP. Data were collected at the participants’ schools using self-report instruments. Analyses of correlation, between-group comparison, and regression were conducted. The perception of family conflict had an indirect and significant effect on most of the EBP, with dysfunctional cognitions presenting a partial mediation role. Family affectivity had a less significant effect on the EBP and was totally mediated by cognition.