Influence of ethnic factors on behavior problems in indigenous Sami and majority Norwegian adolescents

Objective: To explore the relationship between behavior problems and ethnic factors in indigenous minority Sami and Norwegian majority adolescents in northern Norway. Method: The Youth Self-Report (YSR) was completed by 249 Sami and 210 Norwegian students in junior high school, aged 13 to 16 years. Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Behavior problems were assessed in relation to ethnicity and ethnic context (geographic region and family context). Results: Rates of behavior problems (CBCL and YSR) were generally high in both ethnic groups and were highest among girls. Sami adolescents, particularly those living in assimilated ethnic communities, reported more behavior problems than Norwegian adolescents. Conclusion: Ethnic factors have significant impact on behavior problems in indigenous minority adolescents living in a multiethnic context.