Factors Correlating with the Emotional and Behavioral Problems among Adolescents with Legal Problems

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems (EBP) among adolescents (12–18 years) in Indonesia is 28.4%. These problems are related to age, sex, family economic level, father’s education, peer relationships, psychosocial skills, and family mental health status. However, factors related to EBPs among adolescents who are dealing with law cases have not been widely reported. AIM: The purpose of this study is to find out factors correlating with the EBPs among adolescents with legal problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used in this study. Fifty-nine adolescents with legal problems who were sheltered at the Social Protection and Rehabilitation Centre for Adolescents (SPRCA) and the Guidance Institution for Children (GIC) served respondents. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires were used to measure the EBP among adolescents. The Pearson Product Moment and linear regressions were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The prevalence of the EBP among adolescents with legal problems at SPRCA and GIC is 67.8%. The correlations of emotional problems, behavioral problems, hyperactivity, and peer problems with the EBP among adolescents with legal problems are 67.8%, 64.4%, 13.6%, and 57.6%, respectively. Age and psychosocial skills have an effect of 15.7% on the EBP among adolescents. CONCLUSION: Age and psychosocial skills correlate with the EBP among adolescents with legal problems at the SPRCA and GIC.