A network approach to the relationship between adolescents' problem behaviors, psychological abuse and neglect, and school connectedness

BACKGROUND: Problem behaviors profoundly disrupt adolescents' overall quality of life, interpersonal relationships, and ability to engage effectively in learning. These behaviors are deeply influenced by psychological abuse, neglect, and school connectedness. Using a network approach to explore the relationships between these variables can provide new perspectives for reducing adolescent problem behaviors. OBJECTIVE: This study adopts a network approach to examine the central symptoms of adolescent problem behaviors, as well as their associations with psychological abuse and neglect, and school connectedness. The findings aim to provide empirical support for effective intervention strategies targeting adolescent problem behaviors. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: 1780 adolescents (aged 12-16; 843 boys and 937 girls) were recruited from four junior high schools in Guangxi, China. METHOD: The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Childhood Psychological Abuse and Neglect Scale, and School Connectedness Scale were used. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, and the R software was used to estimate the network. RESULTS: Emotional symptoms and hyperactivity/attention deficits were the central symptoms of adolescent problem behaviors. Hyperactivity/attention deficit was a key "bridge" to other problem behavior symptoms. Network analysis of the problem behavior symptom group, psychological abuse and neglect, and school connectedness showed that intervention, peer support, and school belonging were strongly associated with peer problems and that school belonging was the core of the network. CONCLUSIONS: Emotional symptoms and hyperactivity/attention deficits are identified as core components of adolescent problem behaviors, and thus may serve as key targets for interventions addressing such behaviors. Additionally, school belonging emerged as a critical external protective factor in mitigating adolescent problem behaviors.