Children’s externalizing behavior problems and the family functioning

Available literature about children externalizing behavior problems has emphasized the necessity of research focusing on cognitive development, parental stress, and patterns of family relationships for better understanding of their adjustment and development. The aim of this study is to identify the types of families of children who present externalizing behavior, highlighting the children’s cognitive profile, parental stress, and the quality of family relationships. Fourteen children who were living with their biological parents, a mother and stepfather, or just one parent were selected to participate in this study. Data on cognitive evaluation was collected in regard to these children and a scale, a questionnaire, and a semi-structured interview were administered to their parents. The results show that the children’s cognitive profile is characterized by low general reasoning compared to their biological age. The dynamic of family relationships differs according to the type of family; that with stepfathers being more stressed than those with biological fathers and mothers. This suggests that it is necessary to implement research to investigate the origins and developmental trajectories of externalizing behaviors and the need to adopt a life-span approach and consideration of the types of families. Keywords: family relationships; externalizing behavior problems; parental stress.