Résumé
Este estudo investigou as relações entre violência intrafamiliar, clima familiar e sintomas de transtorno mental na adolescência. Participaram 359 adolescentes de 13 a 19 anos (M=15,77; DP=1,40), estudantes de escolas públicas de Porto Alegre, RS. Os adolescentes responderam questões sobre violência no contexto familiar, o Inventário do Clima Familiar (ICF) e um questionário para avaliar sintomas de transtornos mentais (SRQ-20). Os resultados indicaram diferença significativa entre os sexos no SRQ, com média mais elevada para as meninas. Uma regressão linear múltipla indicou que as variáveis familiares independentemente associadas aos sintomas de transtornos mentais foram conflito, apoio e violência intrafamiliar, que, juntas, explicaram 23,3% da variação dos escores no SRQ. Discute-se a importância de intervenções familiares para promoção de saúde mental na adolescência.
This study investigated the relationship between family violence, family atmosphere and symptoms of mental disorders in the adolescence. The participants were 359 adolescents with ages from 13 to 19 (M = 15.77; SD = 1.40), from public schools in Porto Alegre, Brazil, who answered questions about violence in their family context, the Inventory of Family Atmosphere (ICF) and a questionnaire to assess symptoms of mental disorders (SRQ-20). The data indicated a significant difference between genders in SRQ, with a higher average for girls. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that family variables independently associated with symptoms of mental disorders were conflict, support and family violence, which together explained 23.3% of variation in the scores of the SRQ. The importance of family interventions for mental health promotion in adolescence is also discussed.