The Relation Between Family Adversity and Social Anxiety Among Adolescents in Taiwan

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between three indicators of family adversity (domestic violence, family substance use, and broken parental marriage) and the severity of social anxiety among adolescents in Taiwan, as well as the mediating effects of perceived family function and self-esteem on that relationship, using structural equation modeling (SEM). A total of 5607 adolescents completed the social anxiety subscale of the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children; the Family APGAR Index; the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale; and a questionnaire for domestic violence, family substance use, and broken parental marriage. The relation between family adversity and social anxiety, as well as the mediating effects of family function and self-esteem, was examined using SEM. SEM analysis revealed that all three indicators of family adversity reduced the level of family function, that decreased family function compromised the level of self-esteem, and that a low level of self-esteem further increased the severity of social anxiety. The results indicated that, along with intervening to change family adversity, evaluating and improving adolescents' self-esteem and family function are also important clinical issues when helping adolescents reduce their social anxiety.

Family Function and Self-esteem among Chinese University Students with and without Grandparenting Experience: Moderating Effect of Social Support

“…These results accord with previous studies on the relationships between self-esteem and social support (e.g., Goodwin et al, 2004; Birndorf et al, 2005; Zhang, 2007; Denissen et al, 2008; Lian et al, 2016; Chen et al, 2017) and family function (e.g., Heaven and Ciarrochi, 2008; An et al, 2010; Guo, 2012; Yen et al, 2013). …”

The relationship between adverse childhood experiences, family functioning, and mental health problems among children and adolescents: a systematic review

“…This factor included domestic violence, family substance abuse, and parental distress, and was considered a separate factor to FF. The distinction between ACEs and FF as seen by the authors of this review is akin to that of Yen and colleagues (). FF is viewed as the process by which family members relate to each other, whereas ACEs are individual events or series of events which may or may not occur within the family context.…”

“…Domestic violence and parental divorce or separation was related to increased risk of social anxiety, more severe ODD, internalising MH problems and overall psychological maladjustment (e.g. Wan & Leung ; Yen et al , ). The number of different ACEs that a child experienced was also related to poorer MH outcomes, and the higher the number of ACEs experienced, the poorer the MH outcomes.…”

“…Although it is true that ACEs do not always occur within the family context, many do (such as domestic violence or incarceration of parents) and are specific to the family unit (Felitti et al , ; Kessler et al , ). Yen and colleagues () measured adversities specifically within the family context and named this dimension ‘ family adversity’ . This factor included domestic violence, family substance abuse, and parental distress, and was considered a separate factor to FF.…”

Effects of childhood adversity and resilience on Taiwanese youth health behaviors

“…6 Empirical research has linked ACEs to low self-esteem and high social anxiety in adolescents. 7 Severe forms of ACEs, like physical abuse, were associated with later post-traumatic stress disorders and behavioral problems in college students. 8 However, data showed that some of these individuals were able to exhibit resilience, bouncing back from their disadvantaged backgrounds.…”