Personal values and problem behaviors in Bahamian adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Liu Hongjie, Yu Shuli, Cottrell Lesley, Lunn Sonja, Deveaux Lynette, Brathwaite Nanika V, Marshall Sharon, Li Xiaoming, Stanton Bonita
Primary Institution: Wayne State University
Hypothesis
How do personal and parental values relate to problem behaviors among Bahamian early adolescents?
Conclusion
Understanding the values associated with specific problem behaviors is important for designing effective interventions.
Supporting Evidence
- 47% of students reported at least one problem behavior.
- Boys reported more problem behaviors than girls (54% vs. 41%).
- Boys had higher self-enhancement values, while girls had higher self-transcendence values.
- Parental values showed limited correlation with adolescents' values.
Takeaway
This study found that boys and girls have different values that affect their behavior, and knowing these values can help in creating programs to reduce risky behaviors.
Methodology
The study used a cross-sectional design with multilevel modeling to analyze data from sixth-grade students and their parents across 9 schools.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias and socially desirable responses may affect the accuracy of self-reported behaviors.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional nature limits causal inferences, and the sample may not represent all students in The Bahamas.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 785 sixth-grade students (54% female) aged 9-14 from 9 public schools in The Bahamas.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.10–1.75 for boys' self-enhancement
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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