The Impact of Religion on Child Behaviour Problems as Perceived by Sudanese Parents and Teachers

Abstract

Background: The inclusion of ‘religious or spiritual problem’ as a diagnostic category for the first time in the DSM-IV conveys that religious and spiritual issues can be the focus of psychiatric and psychological consultation, treatment and research
Objective: The main objective of the present study is to investigate the effect of religion on patterns of children’s behaviour problems as reported by Sudanese parents and teachers.
Method: A sample of 300 parents completed demographic and family factors questionnaire and Conner's Parents 48 Rating Scale about their children's behavioral adjustment. The children's classroom teachers (300) have also completed Conner's Teacher-39 Rating Scale. Parents were
asked about their religious practices and observance in order to estimate their level of religiosity (good/ fair/ bad). Scores of one, two and three were given to each estimate respectively.
Results: The univariate tests revealed significant effect of religion upon each pattern of child behaviour problems as reported by Sudanese parents and teachers.
Conclusion: Children who have parents with good religious observance are more likely to have no or fewer behavioral and emotional disturbances. It can also be concluded that the influence of religion upon family ecology and modes of human development will be an important predictor of
children’s resilience.

Key words: Religion Children Behavior Problems Socialization