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The Influence of Adolescent Problem Behaviors on Life Satisfaction: Parent–Child Subsystem Qualities as Mediators

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  • Xiaoqin Zhu

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Daniel T. L. Shek

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Abstract

Research studies showed that adolescent problem behaviors were negatively associated with their life satisfaction. However, the negative impact of problem behaviors on life satisfaction has not been sufficiently researched using longitudinal design and the potential mechanisms have not been well examined. The present study attempted to investigate how early adolescents’ externalizing and internalizing behaviors affect their life satisfaction (LS) as well as the mediating effects of parent-child subsystem qualities. Based on a sample of 2669 Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong who were followed up for three years, the present study found that both externalizing and internalizing behavior led to a decrease in LS among adolescents over time. While parental behavioral control and parent-child relational quality mediated the effects of externalizing behavior, parental factors did not mediate the effects of internalizing behavior. More specifically, parents tended to respond to children’s externalizing behavior by reducing parental involvement and warmth, which subsequently resulted in lower LS of adolescents. The findings imply that it is necessary to promote adolescent LS by reducing their problem behaviors. Moreover, parents should develop effective ways to enhance their understanding of children’s emotional and behavioral difficulties.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoqin Zhu & Daniel T. L. Shek, 2020. "The Influence of Adolescent Problem Behaviors on Life Satisfaction: Parent–Child Subsystem Qualities as Mediators," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 13(5), pages 1767-1789, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:chinre:v:13:y:2020:i:5:d:10.1007_s12187-020-09719-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s12187-020-09719-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Zhu, Xiaoqin & Shek, Daniel TL, 2021. "Parental factors and adolescent well-being: Associations between developmental trajectories," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).
    3. Annis Lai Chu Fung & Guangdong Zhou & Eileen Yuk Ha Tsang & Andrew Yiu Tsang Low & Bess Yin Hung Lam, 2021. "The Age and Gender Effect on Four Forms of Peer Victimization among Chinese Children and Adolescents," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 16(6), pages 2439-2456, December.
    4. Zheng Zhou & Daniel T. L. Shek & Xiaoqin Zhu & Li Lin, 2021. "The Influence of Moral Character Attributes on Adolescent Life Satisfaction: the Mediating Role of Responsible Behavior," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 14(3), pages 1293-1313, June.
    5. Xiaoqin Zhu & Daniel T. L. Shek, 2021. "Problem Behavior and Life Satisfaction in Early Adolescence: Longitudinal Findings in a Chinese Context," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(7), pages 2889-2914, October.
    6. Sanghyun Park, 2022. "Examining Trajectories of Early Adolescents’ Life Satisfaction in South Korea Using a Growth Mixture Model," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 17(1), pages 149-168, February.
    7. Yang, Liu & Luo, Fang & Huang, Meiwei & Gao, Ting & Chen, Chuansheng & Ren, Ping, 2023. "Class cohesion and teacher support moderate the relationship between parental behavioral control and subjective well-being among adolescents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).

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