PARENTAL RESPONSE AND COPING STRATEGIES FOR ADOLESCENTS' BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS: A COMMUNITY-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background: Adolescent behavioural problems can be burdensome for parental figures. The lack of good parental responses and coping strategies may worsen adolescent mental health issues. Research in this domain can be informative for effective management of adolescents' behavioural problems in resourcelimited settings like Nigeria.

Aim: We assessed parental responses and coping strategies for adolescents with behavioural problems.

Methods: A cross-sectional community-based survey with cluster sampling was conducted. Coping strategies were assessed using the Brief Cope Inventory (BCI), dichotomized into Emotional-Based Strategies (EBS) and Problem- Based Strategies (PBS) coping. The Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ) assessed adolescent behavioural problems. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Four hundred and ten (410) parental figures of adolescents aged 14.8±2.3 years were recruited. Parental response to adolescent problem behaviours included corporal punishment in 44% and few (5.8%) sought medical or spiritual help for the adolescent. The most deployed parental coping strategy was 'active' coping (69%) while 'instrumental support' was the least adopted coping strategy. The age, gender, educational level and income of parental figures, were associated with the choice of utilizing PBS coping.

Conclusion: Parental figures employed more corporal punishment and utilized active coping, and planning as coping strategies when dealing with adolescents' problem behaviours. Interventions to discourage corporal punishment and promote more effective parental coping are needed.