Effect of pro-social behaviour and conduct problems on the relationship between limiting longstanding illness and negative emotional symptoms in children
Journal of Public Mental Health
ISSN: 1746-5729
Article publication date: 31 October 2018
Issue publication date: 22 November 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore direct and moderating effects of pro-social behaviour and conduct problems on the link between limiting longstanding illness (LL-I) and negative emotional symptoms in children.
Design/methodology/approach
The Welsh Health Survey variables: LL-I, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, pro-social behaviour, gender, age and socio-economic status were entered into regression models to assess the relationships outlined above. Cross-sectional data from several years were combined.
Findings
In the cohort of 627 children aged 4–12 years who had LL-I, 601 (95.9 per cent) had complete data for analysis. Children with LL-I scored a mean of 1.8 points higher on negative emotional symptoms than children without LL-I, with LL-I accounting for 6 per cent of the variance in emotional symptoms in a regression model. In children with LL-I, highly pro-social children had lower levels of negative emotional symptoms compared to those with low pro-social levels (1.1 points on emotional symptoms scale, 95% CI=0.55–1.70; p<0.001). In children with LL-I, high levels of conduct problems were associated with increased negative emotional symptoms compared to those with low levels of conduct disorder (2.1 points on emotional symptoms scale, 95% CI=1.3–2.5; p<0.001).
Research limitations/implications
Potential improvements include a longitudinal design, and use of multi-informant Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire scores.
Practical implications
Assessment of children with LL-I could usefully include pro-social behaviours.
Social implications
National policy could consider the value of promoting pro-social responses.
Originality/value
Emotional symptoms in children with LL-I are associated with pro-social behaviour and conduct problems, primarily as a direct effect. Pro-social interventions could promote emotional wellbeing in children with LL-I.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research did not receive any external sources of funding. The author is grateful for support from supervisors and statistical staff in Cardiff University and for support from family members.
Citation
van Woerden, A.N. (2018), "Effect of pro-social behaviour and conduct problems on the relationship between limiting longstanding illness and negative emotional symptoms in children", Journal of Public Mental Health, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 176-183. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-08-2016-0038
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited