Internalizing Behavioural Problems among Children of Alcoholic Parents

Context: Emotional and behavioural problem in children of alcoholic parents is an important public health issues. However, there is limited epidemiological evidence about internalizing behavioural problems such as anxiety, Depression and low self-esteem.

Aims: To assess the internalizing behavioural problems among children of alcoholic parents and to find out the correlation between anxiety, depression and self-esteem.

Method and Material: A cross sectional descriptive Survey research design was adopted for the present study. The study was conducted at Three Govt High school located in Bangalore urban. Hundred children of alcoholic parents were recruited by simple random sampling method. Children of alcoholic screening test (modified)were used for identifying children of alcoholics. This study utilized Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC) and Rosenberg Self- Esteem Scale.

Statistical analysis used: Data were analyzed using Statistical package for the social Sciences software package (Version 23).

Results: The result shown that 23% of boys & 16% of girls are showing elevated level of anxiety, 31% of children are showing elevated depression,and 53% of children are having low self-esteem. Anxiety is positively correlating with depression (0.359) and Anxiety is negatively correlating with self-esteem (-0.223). A Very low negative correlation seen between depression and self-esteem (-0.166) which is not significant.

Conclusion: The study concludes that children of alcoholic parents are at risk for internalizing behavioural problems and a positive correlation was observed between anxiety and depression.