A study on emotional behavioral problems and family relations of firstborn children from Chongqing during the role transition period / 中国学校卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To explore the relationship between the emotional and behavioral problems and family relations of firstborn children from an urban area of Chongqing during the role transition period, to provide a scientific basis for creating a good family relationship and to reduce the occurrence of children s emotional behavior problems.@*Methods@#Totally 1 359 mothers of children in the role transition period were recruited from obstetric clinics at two Grade A hospitals in Chongqing, and mothers with informed consent using self designed questionnaire and parental version of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). It was analyzed the association between family relationships and the emotional/behavioral problems of firstborn children of different ages. SPSS statistical software (version 20) was used for the descriptive statistical analysis, chi square test, and multiple linear regression analysis.@*Results@#The parental relationship (56.6%), mother child relationship (80.4%) and father child relationship (64.9%) of most firstborn children was good, and 61.7% of families enjoyed a harmonious atmosphere. For the age groups 1.5-5 years and 6-13 years, the respective CBCL total scores were (18.22±13.63) and (24.20±17.52), and the detection rates were 10.7% and 10.5%, respectively. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that, for both age groups, firstborn children who had good parental relationships, good mother child relationships, good father child relationships, and a harmonious family atmosphere exhibited fewer internalizing, externalizing and overall emotional behavior problems ( P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#The total detection rate of emotional and behavioral problems among firstborn children in the role transition period, which is low. Good parental relationships, good parent child relationships, and a harmonious family atmosphere are protective factors against emotional and behavioral disorders in firstborn children during the role transition period.