Parent interactions and physical aggression among Indonesian adolescents: a cross-sectional study
Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to examine the association between parent–child relationships and physically aggressive behavior among adolescents.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study that uses secondary data from the 2015 Indonesia Global School-Based Health Survey (IGSHS). Health surveys were conducted in 75 schools representing three regions (Sumatra, Java-Bali; Outer Sumatra; and Java-Bali) in 26 provinces and 68 districts/cities in Indonesia (N = 10,139 students). Students who participated were aged 12–19 years, were enrolled in public schools in the junior and high school levels.
Results
It has been seen that for most middle-aged adolescents (58.7%), their parents (25%–29%) pay less attention to academic assignments (homework), problems, and use of free time. The most significant factors that influence adolescents to commit violence are smoking and consuming alcohol. Adolescents who smoke are twice as likely to commit physical violence compared with adolescents who do not smoke (OR = 2.005; 95% CI = 1.7062–2.396). Meanwhile, adolescents who consume alcohol are 1.8 times more likely to commit physical violence compared with adolescents who do not consume alcohol (OR = 1.807; 95% CI = 1.421–2.298).
Conclusions
Through educational activities and consultations, this study’s findings are valuable for establishing parenting programs among those concerned about their children’s aggressive behavior. Meanwhile, counseling programs can be started in schools by conducting self-detection of negative adolescent behavior, such as screening for smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep issues, and attempted suicide.
© 2025 Yoyok Bekti Pasetyo, Alifya Az Zahra, Sri Sunaringsih Ika Wardojo, Nur Melizza, Anggraini Dwi Kurnia, Nur Lailatul Masruroh, Titih Huriah, Rusnani Ab Latif, published by Shanxi Medical Periodical Press
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.