The generation gap in numbers: parent-child disagreement on youth's emotional and behavioral problems: a Greek community based-survey.

Objective: To evaluate discrepancies between parent and child reports on youth's emotional and behavioral problems in a representative, community based sample of Greek 18-year-olds, and to identify associated factors.

Methods: A total of 2,927 completed pairs of parent-child questionnaires were studied, including the child behavior checklist (CBCL) and the youth self-report (YSR). Linear regression analysis was used to identify both child and parental characteristics significantly associated with parent/child disagreement on scores for youth's Internalising, Externalising and Total problems scales for both genders separately.

Results: Although there was a strong correlation between scores on the YSR and CBCL corresponding scales, parent/child discrepancies were more likely to occur when the later: had good academic performance, were dissatisfied from their self-image or their life. Parental factors that influence discrepancies in parent/child scale scores were: low paternal education for both genders, father being the informant for boys, and maternal stress and lack of awareness of leisure activities for girls.

Conclusion: The associations found highlight the contributions of both parents and children to the discrepancies on emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence. This study may facilitate constructive parenting practices through generations.