Self-reported internalization symptoms and family factors in indigenous Sami and non-Sami adolescents in North Norway

• Published in: Journal of adolescence (London, England.) England.), 2011-08, Vol.34 (4), p.759-766
• Main Authors: Bals, Margrethe, Turi, Anne Lene, Vittersø, Joar, Skre, Ingunn, Kvernmo, Siv
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescence; Adolescent; Anxiety; Anxiety - physiopathology; Biological and medical sciences; Correlation; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cultural Differences; Cultural Influences; Depression (Psychology); Depression - physiopathology; Ethnic socialization; Family; Family environment. Family history; Family Income; Family Influence; Family Relations - ethnology; Family Relationship; Female; Females; Foreign Countries; Gender Differences; Humans; Indigenous; Indigenous Populations; Interaction; Intergenerational relationships; Internal-External Control; Internalization; Male; Males; Medical sciences; Native peoples; Norway; Pediatrics; Population Groups - psychology; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Sami; Self Report; Social interaction; Social psychiatry. Ethnopsychiatry; Socialization; Structural Equation Models; Symptoms; Symptoms (Individual Disorders); Treatment Outcomes; Values; Youth
• ISSN: 0140-1971; 1095-9254
• DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2010.08.005

Abstract Through differences in family socialization between indigenous and non-indigenous youth, there may be cultural differences in the impact of family factors on mental health outcome. Using structural equation modelling, this population-based study explored the relationship between symptoms of anxiety and depression and family factors in indigenous Sami and non-Sami boys and girls in North Norway. The findings show that family income was to a lesser degree related to internalization symptoms for Sami youth than non-Sami youth. For all groups except for Sami girls, family conflict and moving was associated with increasing symptoms. Sami boys differed from the other three groups with regard to the relationship between family connectedness and symptom level. These interaction effects were discussed in light of traditional Sami values and gender socialization. The present study has indicated that in the family socialization context, culture may be related to internalization symptoms in youth.