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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
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Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Negativity in problematic and nonproblematic families: a multigroup social relations model analysis with structured
Veroni I Eichelsheim1, Kirsten L Buist, Maja Deković
1Research Centre Psychosocial Development in Context, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. v.i.eichelsheim@minjus.nl
Summary
Families with adolescents exhibiting externalizing problem behaviors show distinct negativity patterns. These differences are linked to the child's characteristics, not just parent-child interactions.
Area of Science:
- Family Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Externalizing problem behaviors in adolescents are a significant concern for family functioning.
- Understanding negativity patterns within families is crucial for effective interventions.
- Previous research often focused on dyadic interactions, overlooking broader family system dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in negativity patterns between families with and without an adolescent exhibiting externalizing problem behavior.
- To analyze negativity across multiple levels of the family system.
- To identify the specific sources of negativity differences in these families.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Social Relations Model to assess negativity within the family system.
- Sample included 120 families with an adolescent with externalizing problems and 153 non-problematic families.
- Participants (two parents, two children) rated negativity in their relationships with each family member.
Main Results:
- Negativity differences between families were not solely due to parent-adolescent interactions.
- The study identified that the characteristics of the adolescent with problem behaviors are the primary drivers of these negativity differences.
- Analysis revealed specific patterns of negativity associated with the problematic adolescent's traits.
Conclusions:
- The presence of an adolescent with externalizing problem behavior significantly alters family negativity dynamics.
- Intervention strategies should consider the individual characteristics of the adolescent when addressing family negativity.
- The Social Relations Model provides a robust framework for understanding complex family system interactions and negativity.
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