Family function and problem behaviors among preadolescents: A mediation model of generalized trust beliefs and peer attachment.

Preadolescence marks the critical onset period for problem behaviors that shape later adjustment. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether family function is associated with preadolescent problem behaviors through the sequential mediation of generalized trust beliefs and peer attachment, while exploring potential gender differences in these pathways. A total of 371 preadolescents (Mage = 11.58 ± 0.58) completed self-reported questionnaires. Results of latent variable structural equation modeling showed that family function was negatively associated with internalizing problems largely through the sequential mediation of generalized trust beliefs and peer attachment. For externalizing problems, family function showed both a direct association and partially indirect association through the same pathway. Notably, the mediating role of peer attachment between family function and externalizing problems was significant for boys but not for girls. These findings underscore the roles of generalized trust and peer attachment in linking family function to problem behaviors and provide insights for gender-sensitive early interventions to reduce preadolescents' problem behaviors.