Abstract

We examine the joint effects of the quality of parent-adolescent relationships (comprising empathy and rejection) and parental practices (monitoring) on adolescent internalizing and externalizing disorders. The study was conducted on a sample of 304 adolescents, aged 11-19. Adolescents responded to a questionnaire about their relationships with both mother and father. Collected data were analysed through multi-group Structural Equation Models. The findings suggest that the link between parental monitoring and externalizing disorders is direct, and that the effect of relationship quality on externalizing problems is mediated by the presence of internalising disorders. We discuss some practical implications of the research.