Parent Reports of Behavioral and Emotional Problems among Children in Kenya, Thailand, and the United States

Abstract

The behavioral and emotional problems children develop may differ from one cultural context to another. We explored this possibility, comparing 11-15-year-old Embu children in Kenya, Thai children, African-American children, and Caucasian-American children. Standardized parent reports on 118 problems revealed 62 significant (p < .01) culture effects. Caucasian-Americans were rated particularly high on undercontrolled problems (e.g., arguing, disobedient at home, cruel to others). Embu children were rated particularly high on overcontrolled problems (e.g., fears, feels guilty, somatic concerns), largely because of the numerous somatic problems reported. The findings may relate to the strict emphasis on compliance and obedience among the Embu, as opposed to the greater independence permitted in the United States. But alternative interpretations are discussed as well, including the effects of parent sensitivities and Third World living conditions.

Ethnic Variation in the Association Between Family Structures and Practices on Child Outcomes at 36 Months: Results From Early Head Start

“…Culture may influence the literacy environment through families' expectations and beliefs about what children should know, the ages at which particular kinds of knowledge are appropriate, and who is responsible for directing and facilitating children's learning. Partially as a consequence of environmental demands and social conditions such as discrimination and health and neighborhood concerns, families differ in parenting, socialization goals, and practices in ways that might be reflected, for example, in beliefs about how children and parents should interact or which type of parenting behaviors should be employed (Lambert et al, 1992;Weisz, Sigman, Weiss, & Mosk, 1993).…”

Sociability and prosocial orientation as predictors of youth adjustment: A seven-year longitudinal study in a Chinese sample

“…The measures were then backtranslated to ensure comparability with the English versions. These measures have been used and proved valid in Chinese as well as some other cultures (e.g., Chan, 1997;Chen, Rubin, Li, & Li, 1999;Weisz, Sigman, Weiss, & Mosk, 1993).…”

Family orientation, language, and anxiety among low-income Latino youth

“…These socialization forces influence the way children and adolescents express behavior problems and symptoms. Support for this model has been found in cross-cultural research (e.g., Berkel et al, 2009;Polo & López, 2009;Weisz et al, 1993Weisz et al, , 1987.…”

“…The problem suppression-facilitation model has provided a possible theoretical framework for understanding these unique expressions of distress (e.g., Weisz, McCarty, Eastman, Suwanlert, & Chaiyasit, 1997;Weisz, Sigman, Weiss, & Mosk, 1993;Weisz, Suwanlert, Chaiyasit, & Walter, 1987). The model posits that family and social norms, customs, and practices vary across cultures and differentially impact youth's behavior.…”