COMUNICACIÓN FAMILIAR Y COMPORTAMIENTOS DELICTIVOS EN ADOLESCENTES ESPAÑOLES:: EL DOBLE ROL MEDIADOR DE LA AUTOESTIMA¹

This research analyses the relationship among family communication (open communication versus communication problems), multidimensional self-esteem (family, academic, social and physical self-esteem) and behavioural problems in adolescence. Two independent samples were used in the study: Sample 1 was composed of 414 adolescents ranging in age from 12 to 17 years old, and Sample 2 was composed of 625 adolescents aged from 11 to 20 years old. Results showed an indirect effect of family communication on delinquent behavior through the mediation of self-esteem. We found a protection effect of family and academic self-esteem and a risk effect of social and physical self-esteem on delinquent beha…