The generation gap in numbers: parent-child disagreement on youth’s emotional and behavioral problems

Objective To evaluate discrepancies between parent and child reports on youth’s emotional and behavioral problems in a representative, community based sample of Greek 18-year-olds, and to identify associated factors. Methods A total of 2,927 completed pairs of parent-child questionnaires were studied, including the child behavior checklist (CBCL) and the youth self-report (YSR). Linear regression analysis was used to identify both child and parental characteristics significantly associated with parent/child disagreement on scores for youth’s Internalising, Externalising and Total problems scales for both genders separately. Results Although there was a strong correlation between scores on the YSR and CBCL corresponding scales, parent/child discrepancies were more likely to occur when the later: had good academic performance, were dissatisfied from their self-image or their life. Parental factors that influence discrepancies in parent/child scale scores were: low paternal education for both genders, father being the informant for boys, and maternal stress and lack of awareness of leisure activities for girls. Conclusion The associations found highlight the contributions of both parents and children to the discrepancies on emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence. This study may facilitate constructive parenting practices through generations