The internalising and externalising problems of adolescents in Croatia: Socio-demographic and family victimisation factors

Abstract

This study assessed Croatian adolescents' problems in relation to socio-demographic characteristics and experienced family violence in early and late adolescence. A national representative sample of 1,780 Croatian students (45.3% males) in two age groups representing early (M = 13.20; SD = 0.42) and late adolescence (M = 18.14; SD = 0.38) participated. The questionnaire included the Youth Self-Report, modified version of ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool – Children's Version, and socio-demographic data. Results show that internalising problems were more present in female adolescents, in adolescents who perceived family financial hardship and in those whose biological parents did not live together. More externalising problems were reported in late adolescence by students who were living in large cities and whose families had either low, or above-average, financial status. Adolescents who have experienced family violence were at higher risk of developing internalising and/or externalising problems.