Poster #152 - Parent-Child Conflict about Peer Relationships and Warmth as Predictors of Internalizing Problems Among Ghanaian Adolescents

• In Event: 2-002 - Special Poster Session 05 with Continental Breakfast Reception
  In Poster Session: PS 05 - International Section

Integrative Statement

Compared to their counterparts in developed contexts, children in developing contexts, such as Ghana, experience higher levels of internalizing problems (e.g., anxiety, depression; Cortina et al., 2012). Studies show that mother-child conflict about peer relationships (MCCP) is associated with poor functioning because it weakens children’s sense of autonomy and control (Mounts, 2007, 2011). In contrast, parental warmth is associated with positive adjustment because it strengthens the parent-child bond (Kim et al., 2013). Much of the literature on these constructs focuses on children in Western-industrialized societies. Additionally, according to the ecological approach (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 1998), these factors may interact to shape adjustment. Prior studies suggest that MCCP on adjustment is moderated by parental consulting and guiding (Mounts, 2011). From a risk and protective standpoint (e.g., Gurak & Weisman de Mamani.,2016), it is possible that the negative effect of MCCP may be attenuated by warmth. Using a sample of Ghanaian children, two questions were of interest. First, how are MCCP and warmth related to anxiety, depression, and loneliness? Second, are the effects of MCCP on internalizing outcomes moderated by warmth?
The sample was 119 students (Mage = 14 years, 58% girls) from a private junior high school located in the capital city, Accra, Ghana. Seventy-four percent of the participants lived with both parents. Questionnaires were completed at school and administered in English. MCCP was assessed using a 12-item measure (α = .84; Mounts, 2007). Warmth was assessed using the Children’s Report of Parent Behavior Inventory (α =.89; Shaefer, 1965). Anxiety was measured using the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (α=.87; Spence,1988). Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological-Depression (α =.88; Radloff, 1977). Loneliness was assessed using Loneliness and Social Dissatisfaction scale (α =.69; Asher et al., 1984).
Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted (Table 1). First, child’s sex was entered as a control variable. Second, MCCP and warmth were entered. Third, the MCCP by warmth interaction was entered. A significant interaction was followed up with simple slope tests (Aiken & West, 1991). Higher levels of MCCP were related to higher levels of anxiety (β =.46, p<.01), depression (β =.31, p<.01), and loneliness (β =.22, p<.05). There was a significant MCCP by warmth interaction to predict loneliness (β =.22, p<.05), and contrary to expectation, higher levels of MCCP with higher levels of warmth were associated with higher levels of loneliness (Figure 1).
Results indicate that association between MCCP, warmth, and loneliness is more complex than a one-to-one-association. Although unanticipated, the findings may be in line with some of the socialization practices in Ghana. Children are taught to avoid confrontations with parents. MCCP may lead to feelings of consternation, where mothers feel less in control and children attribute self-blame, which eventually can degrade the benefit associated with warmth. Also, with higher levels of MCCP, children are likely to interpret warmth as not genuine. The sample was drawn from a city area. Future studies should include children from rural areas of Ghana.

Authors

• Braima Salaam, Northern Illinois University
  Presenting Author

• Nina S Mounts, Northern Illinois University
  Non-Presenting Author