Relações entre Violência, Clima Familiar e Transtornos Mentais na Adolescência

This study investigated the relationship between family violence, family atmosphere and symptoms of mental disorders in the adolescence. The participants were 359 adolescents with ages from 13 to 19 (M = 15.77; SD = 1.40), from public schools in Porto Alegre, Brazil, who answered questions about violence in their family context, the Inventory of Family Atmosphere (ICF) and a questionnaire to assess symptoms of mental disorders (SRQ-20). The data indicated a significant difference between genders in SRQ, with a higher average for girls. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that family variables independently associated with symptoms of mental disorders were conflict, support and family violence, which together explained 23.3% of variation in the scores of the SRQ. The importance of family interventions for mental health promotion in adolescence is also discussed.