[Comparison of mental health state and psychological capacities between college students with and without siblings].
OBJECTIVE
To compare the differences in mental health state and psychological capacities between Chinese college students with and without siblings.


METHODS
The psychological status and capacities were evaluated with SCL-90, the Self-Esteem Scale, Spheres of Control Scale, Security Questionnaire and Cattell 16-PF Questionnaire in 427 college students, and among the students who presented valid responses, 139 with and 139 without siblings were selected for this comparative study.


RESULTS
The total score and average score of SCL-90 in college students without siblings were significantly lower than those in students with siblings (P<0.05); the scores of factors C, E, and F of 16-PF were significantly higher but the score of factor O significantly lower in the former group (P<0.05). The scores of certainty in control, interpersonal security and total score of security were significantly higher in the students without siblings (P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The mental health state and some of the psychological capacities are generally better in college students with siblings than in those without siblings.
Zhang
Xiao-yuan
XY
School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. E-mailúzhpn@fimmu.com
Yu
Shou-yi
SY
Zhao
Jiu-bo
JB
Li
Jian-ming
JM
Xiao
Rong
R
D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D035781:Siblings; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult