Factors Affecting Emotional · Behavioral Problems in Early Adolescence: A Multilevel Model Study

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the individual and environmental factors related to emotional/behavioral problems to early adolescence in Korea by applying multilevel modeling. METHODS: From the database of the 2014 Korean Child and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS), the researchers selected 1,977 adolescents who are in the second year of middle school. Multilevel model analysis was performed to estimate the impact of relevant factors at the individual and environmental levels. RESULTS: At the individual level, the significant factors associated with emotional/behavioral problems included BMI and study tendency in boys, and drinking, study tendency and economic levels in girls. At the environmental level, the significant factor associated with emotional/behavioral problems included relationship with the teacher. CONCLUSION: The emotional/behavioral problems of early adolescence are influenced not only by the individual factors but also by the environment factor. Therefore, the environment surrounding the adolescents should also be considered to prevent emotional/behavioral problems.