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Relations between internalizing and externalizing problems in early childhood
- Authors:
- STONE Lisanne L., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child and Youth Care Forum, 44(5), 2015, pp.635-653.
- Publisher:
- Springer
Background: Childhood internalising and externalising problems are closely related and often co-occur. Directional models have been employed to test how these problems are related, while few studies have tested a third variables model. Objective: This study investigates whether internalising and externalising problems are reciprocally or unidirectionally related, whether these relations can be explained by third variables, and how these relations are associated with onset and stability. Methods: A community sample of 1,434 children aged 5.08 (SD = 1.25) and their mothers participated in two 1-year interval data waves. Internalising and externalising problems were examined with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Results: Using latent cross-lagged modelling, externalising problems were found not be related to subsequent internalising problems, or vice versa. These results were also found when controlling for inadequate parenting, parenting stress, maternal health and social preference. When taking problem level into account, externalising problems were related to stability of clinical level internalising problems, even when controlling for third variables inadequate parenting, parenting stress, maternal mental health and social preference. Conclusions: Strong autoregressive paths for internalising and externalising problems were found. Internalising and externalising problems do not seem to influence each other over time in the community sample. When investigating relations among internalising and externalising problems, it seems to be important to take problem level into account. (Edited publisher abstract)