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Predicting early adolescent disorder from childhood aggression and peer rejection
J D Coie1, J E Lochman, R Terry
1Department of Psychology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27706.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Childhood aggression and peer rejection predict adolescent behavioral disorders. These factors significantly impact adjustment in middle school, affecting both internalizing and externalizing behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Child psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Adolescent mental health
Background:
- Early childhood behavioral patterns can influence long-term adjustment.
- Understanding predictors of adolescent disorder is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the predictive relationship between childhood peer social status and aggression with adolescent adjustment.
- To identify factors influencing school adjustment in early adolescence.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of two large cohorts of Black 3rd-grade children from low-income families.
- Assessment of middle school adjustment using teacher, parent, and adolescent self-reports.
- Analysis of childhood aggression and peer social status as predictors.
Main Results:
- Childhood aggression predicted both externalizing and internalizing disorders in adolescence.
- Peer rejection was linked to parent-reported and self-reported internalized disorders.
- Aggression and peer rejection were significant predictors of poor overall adjustment, with sex moderating peer rejection's effect.
Conclusions:
- Childhood aggression and peer rejection are significant, independent predictors of adolescent disorder.
- Early identification of aggression and peer rejection can inform interventions for better adolescent adjustment.
- Sex plays a moderating role in the impact of peer rejection on adjustment.