Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | 3264 - Immigration and psychopatological risk factors in a sample of preadolescents |
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| Contribution code | PS03-81 (P) |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Objective Aim of the study is to identify traits of emotional fragility or psychopathological risk factors in a sample of immigrant preadolescents living in Monza and Brianza district. Information concerning the emotional traits of the children is assessed through a comparison of the children’s, parents’ and teachers’ perspectives. Method The sample consists of 1206 preadolescents (180 immigrants and 1026 Italian natives) attending the third year of the middle schools. In order to assess anxiety levels and the presence of depressive symptoms the Self-Administered Psychiatric Scale (SAFA-A) and the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) were administered. Coping strategies and behaviour problems were evaluated by the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situation (CISS) and the Youth Self Report scale (YSR). All teachers filled in the Teacher's Report Form (TRF). Parents were asked to fill out a form on social-demographic features and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results Immigration resulted a risk factor for development of anxiety (OR=0,702), depression (0R=0,644), internalizing problems (OR=0,685), behavior problems (OR=0,622) and total problems (OR=0,719). Teachers observed greater behavior problems and lower competences in immigrants than in natives. Immigrants relied significantly more often on emotion-oriented coping strategies to resolve stressful situation than natives (p=0,045). Analyzing the immigrants sample, second generation children reported significantly higher levels in total competence (school, activity and relation) than first generation ones (p=<00,1); on the contrary there were no significant differences between the two groups concerning other behavioral and emotional problems or the preferred coping style. Natives' families reported significantly higher levels of perceived support in all the areas investigated (“family” (p=0,003), “friends” (p<0,001) and “significant others” (p<0,001)) than immigrant ones. Conclusion Our findings give an important evaluation of the extent in which pre-adolescent immigrants are likely to develop psychopathology traits. |