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Childhood psychopathology and sense of coherence at age 18: findings from the Finnish from a boy to a man study

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Abstract

Objective

To examine associations between childhood psychopathology and family factors at age 8, and sense of coherence (SOC) at age 18.

Methods

The sample includes 2,314 Finnish boys born 1981 with information about psychopathology from parents and teachers using Rutter scales, and self-reports of depressive symptoms using Child Depression Inventory (CDI), and self-reports of SOC at age 18.

Results

Low parental education level and living in other than two biological parent family at age 8 were associated with low SOC 10 years later. Boys with internalizing symptoms based on parent/teacher reports, and depressive symptoms based on self-reports at age 8 were at risk for lower SOC at follow-up. Comorbidity of internalizing and conduct problems had the strongest association with low SOC.

Conclusion

The study shows that internalizing symptoms, comorbid conduct and emotional problems, low parental education level and nonintact family at age 8 predict low SOC at age 18. Future research whether universal, selective or indicated early interventions targeted on risk factors of childhood mental health problems may result in promotion of well-being (including good SOC) in early adulthood is warranted.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Deapartment of Psychiatry, Turku University, Turku, Finland

    Terja Ristkari

  2. Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, 9038, Tromsö, Norway

    Andre Sourander & John A. Rønning

  3. Department of Child Psychiatry, Turku University, Turku, Finland

    Andre Sourander & Jorma Piha

  4. Department of Child Psychiatry, Kuopio University, Kuopio, Finland

    Kirsti Kumpulainen

  5. Department of Child Psychiatry, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland

    Tuula Tamminen

  6. Department of Child Psychiatry, Oulu University, Oulu, Finland

    Irma Moilanen

  7. Department of Child Psychiatry, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland

    Fredrik Almqvist

  8. University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsö, Norway

    John A. Rønning

Authors
  1. Terja Ristkari
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  2. Andre Sourander
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  3. John A. Rønning
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Correspondence to Terja Ristkari.

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Ristkari, T., Sourander, A., Rønning, J.A. et al. Childhood psychopathology and sense of coherence at age 18: findings from the Finnish from a boy to a man study. Soc Psychiat Epidemiol 44, 1097–1105 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-009-0032-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-009-0032-6

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