Related Experiment Videos
Positive and negative affectivity in children: a multitrait-multimethod investigation
Beth M Phillips1, Christopher J Lonigan, Kimberly Driscoll
1Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1270, USA.
Summary
This study validates the tripartite model for children, finding separate child and parent negative affect/neuroticism (NA/N) factors and a shared positive affect/surgency (PA/S) factor. NA/N links to anxiety and depression, while PA/S relates to depression.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychology
- Psychopathology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The tripartite model posits distinct positive affect/surgency (PA/S) and negative affect/neuroticism (NA/N) dimensions underlying anxiety and depression.
- Its validity and internal structure in pediatric populations require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the validity and internal structure of the tripartite model in children.
- To investigate the relationships between temperament dimensions and internalizing symptoms from child, parent, and peer perspectives.
Main Methods:
- 104 children (mean age 14.9 years) completed self-report and peer nomination measures of anxiety and depression symptoms.
- Parents provided ratings of temperament and internalizing symptoms.
- Multitrait-multimethod and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were employed.
Main Results:
- A 3-factor model was supported, comprising separate child and parent NA/N factors and a joint PA/S factor.
- Child and parent NA/N were associated with both anxiety and depression symptoms.
- PA/S was predominantly linked to depression symptoms, with limited relation to child NA/N from parent or peer reports.
Conclusions:
- Findings partially support the tripartite model in children, highlighting distinct child and parent negative affect dimensions.
- Results suggest caution when using multimethod assessments for children's temperament and internalizing symptoms.