Children’s Behaviour Problems and Prosocial Tendencies: The Influence of Family Functioning

Description

Page: 443-447

E. Divya¹ and Maya Menon² (Psychologist, Kudumbasree Project, Kerala¹ and Department of Psychology, Government College for Women, Trivandrum, Kerala²)

Family functioning refers to how family members interact, communicate, and fulfil their roles within the family unit, encompassing dimensions such as leadership, communication, roles, reinforcement, cohesiveness, and social support. This study explores the relationship between family functioning and children’s behaviour problems and prosocial tendencies. A sample of 163 primary school students, aged 6 to 11 years, from two schools in Trivandrum, Kerala, participated in this research. Data were collected using a Personal Data Schedule, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (Goodman, 1997) and the Family Interaction Pattern Scale (Bhatti et al., 1986). Descriptive and correlational analyses were conducted to examine how various aspects of family functioning influence children’s behavioural outcomes. The results indicated significant relationships between family dynamics and children’s behaviour problems. Specifically, poor communication, lack of family cohesion, and low social support were associated with increased externalizing behaviours (e.g., hyperactivity, conduct problems), while higher levels of reinforcement and family support were linked to greater prosocial behaviours. These findings underscore the importance of positive family functioning in fostering healthy behavioural development in children. The study suggests that interventions targeting family dynamics, such as improving communication and promoting support structures, may be effective in reducing behaviour problems and enhancing prosocial tendencies.