The role of family functioning toward internalizing problems and externalizing problems of adolescents

Abstract

Internalizing and externalizing problems are common mental health problems experienced by adolescents. Internalizing problems are when individuals control pressure on themselves, causing anxiety and depression. In contrast, externalizing problems attempt to project pressure on the external environment resulting in problematic behaviors that harm themselves and others. Family functions are a vital factor assumed to determine adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problems, as a family is the closest environment affecting adolescents' development. This study aimed to identify the contribution of family functioning to the internalizing and externalizing problems in adolescents. The research instruments used are the Family Assessment Device (FAD) scale and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). A total of 170 adolescents living in East Kutai Regency, Kalimantan, aged 16–18, participated in this study based on multistage random sampling. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that family function could predict adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problems. The research findings implied that optimal family functioning contributes to the lower possibility of adolescents experiencing internalizing and externalizing problems.