Effects of Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Peer Relations on the Emotional, Behavioral, and Comorbid Disorder Symptoms in Low-SES Children = Effects of Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Peer Relations on the Emotional, Behavioral, and Comorbid Disorder Symptoms in Low-SES Children

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The current study examined the effects of socio-demographic characteristics and peer relations on the emotional, behavioral, and comorbid disorder symptoms among low-low-SES children, using the Young Lives Survey: an International Study of Childhood Poverty: Round 1, 2002. Participants were 1,000 8-year-old children (502 boys and 498 girls) from low-low-SES families. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, t-tests, post hoc test (Scheffe`s method), correlations, and multiple logistic regression analyses according to the analysis strategy. There was a moderate correlation between selected socio-demographic variables and emotional/behavioral disorder symptoms, and the caregiver`s marital status, child`s health compared to others, child`s work status corresponded to significant differences in their emotional/behavior levels. Regarding the logistic regression analysis, in addition to the effects of socio-demographic variables reflecting the characteristics of less-developed countries, marital status, child`s working status, and conflicts with peers proved to be detrimental to emotional, behavioral, or comorbid disorder symptoms in low-SES children, who have been lack quality parenting, social resources, and child human rights. Results indicated the need to develop health care services that would address those problems and appropriate intervention and prevention programs targeting children in low-income families. Moreover, careful assessment and intervention for child`s health status, child`s working status and peer relationship problems are suggested as possible strategies for helping children at risk of exhibiting further problematic behaviors.