Factors associated with problem behaviors in Turkish immigrant children in the Netherlands

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between child, parent, family/support, and stress variables and problem behaviors in Turkish immigrant children in the Netherlands. Methods: Parents of 833 children were interviewed and administered a Turkish version of the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 4 through 18 and a Turkish immigrant assessment questionnaire. Results: Increased integration (i.e., children belonging to a second generation of immigrants, older children) generally reduced the risk for problem behaviors, while frequent arguments, divorce, psychological problems, and convictions/incarcerations increased the risk for problem behaviors. Conclusions: Results indicate that problem behaviors are associated with the high level of separation faced by Turkish immigrant families and that more integration leads to lower levels of problem behavior. Additionally, migration history alone does not contribute to problem behavior. Factors in the family (e.g., quarrels, divorce, conviction) associated with problem behaviors in Turkish immigrants are similar to those found in Dutch and American populations. Future studies could examine predictors of problem behaviors in other culturally separated immigrant groups in the Netherlands, and in Turkish immigrant groups in other countries.