Adversidad familiar y desarrollo de trastornos internalizados y externalizados en preadolescentes

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between experiencing adverse psycho-social conditions in the family environment and the development of externalized and internalized disadapting behavior in a pre-teenager sample was studied. Method: A sample of 133 boys and girls, aged 11 to 13, was chosen at random from high social risk schools from Concepción. Disadapting behavior was evaluated through many participants (the mother, the teacher and the pre-teenager). Family adversity indicators presence was evaluated by means of a World Health Organization semi-structured interview. Results: Family adversity was significantly associated to both kinds of disorders, even though a tendency to a closer relationship to externalized behavior was observed. The relationship between adversity and externalized behavior was weaker when using self-reports. Discussion: Results confirm the presence of differences in the correlates of both kind of disorders, such as the informant's influence. The psychopathology is valued according to his/her report. © 2006 Sociedad de Neurología, Psiquiatría y Neurocirugía.