Emotional and Behavioral Adjustment in a Spanish Sample of Adolescents

Abstract

Introducction. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between emotional and behavioral difficulties and suicidal ideation, bullying and cyberbullying, and substance use in adolescents.

Method. The sample consisted of a total of 1,664 participants (M=16.12 years, SD=1.36, range 14-19 years, 697 males), selected by stratified random sampling. The instruments used were the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Paykel Suicide Scale, the CyberbullyingBrief Questionnaire, the Modified Substance Consumption Questionnaire, and the Oviedo Infrequency Response Scale.

Results. The results showed that 7.7% of adolescents obtained risk scores of poor mental health, and 13.4% would be in the limit score range. In addition, the results indicated that adolescents who showed a possible risk of emotional and behavioral mental health problems also present greater suicidal ideation, behaviors related to bullying and cyberbullying (perception, victimization), and substance use, specifically tobacco and cannabis.

Conclusions. These results increase awareness of the importance of adolescents’ mental health, improve the training of health professionals and guide the implementation of measures to promote health and reduce the risk factors for suicide, school bullying and of substance use and abuse.