Relationships between child behavior problems and family functioning: A literature review

Abstract

In this study a literature review is presented on the relationship between family functioning and child behavior problems. We focussed on parenting styles, intergenerational relationships, family structure, and family interaction patterns. We concluded that child behavior problems are related to a lack of parental support, an imbalanced parent-child relationship, a lack of cohesion and structure in the family, and a poor quality of communication between parents and children. We discussed causality of these relationships and implications for family interventions.