| Abstract [eng] |
A current study was exploring the relationship between mentalization and externalizing behaviours (aggressive and rules breaking behaviour). Even though developmentally mentalization is closely related to externalizing behaviours, it is still little known about how different variables that define the construct (aggressive and rules breaking behaviour) relate to mentalization and what is the role that gender plays in that relationship. The sample consisted of two groups and was collected from across different locations in Lithuania. The group of Minimal Care Means (further called MCM) consisted total of 88 respondents, of which 20 were girls and 68 were boys. While control group contained total of 376 teenagers, of which 154 were girls and 222 were boys. Results demonstrated, that adolescents in MCM group scored notably more on aggressive and rules breaking behaviours, however relationship between externalizing behaviour and mentalization was not confirmed to be significant in this group of adolescents. Whereas, in control group it was confirmed that mentalization (RFQY) and emotional mentalization (SI) significantly predicted adolescents’ aggressive and rule breaking behaviour. Furthermore, female gender moderated the relationship between mentalization (RFQY) and rule breaking behaviour. Significant gender differences were found in both groups when measuring adolescents’ externalizing behaviours and aspects of their mentalization. The results of this study contribute to the current knowledge on mentalizing abilities in adolescents marked with problem behaviour. Also, it adds to the understanding of the role that gender plays when measuring adolescents’ externalizing behaviours and aspects of their mentalization. |
