Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
05:48
The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
Information processing profiles of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems: evidence from a
J Agnes Brunnekreef1, Leo M J De Sonneville, Monika Althaus
1Department of Psychiatry and Graduate School of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. j.a.brunnekreef@med.umcg.nl
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines
|February 16, 2007
Summary
Cognitive processing deficits are linked to the severity of child behavior problems, with working memory and response variability as key indicators. Response inhibition differentiates problem types but not when IQ is considered.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Explores information processing capacities in relation to internalizing and externalizing behavior problems.
- Utilizes a large general population sample of 10- to 12-year-old children (N = 2,037).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cognitive functions and behavior problems in children.
- To identify potential cognitive markers for different types and severity of behavioral issues.
Main Methods:
- Categorized children into four groups based on parent-reported behavior problems (Child Behavior Checklist).
- Assessed information processing capacities (speed, accuracy) using the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks.
- Compared cognitive performance across groups with no problems, internalizing problems, externalizing problems, and both.
Main Results:
- Children with both internalizing and externalizing problems showed the least efficient cognitive processing.
- Response variability and working memory efficiency were associated with the severity of behavior problems.
- Response inhibition differentiated problem types but this effect diminished when controlling for IQ; no gender differences were observed.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive processing deficits are more strongly related to the degree than the type of maladaptive behavior.
- Response variability and working memory may serve as markers for identifying high-risk children.
- Response inhibition could indicate the type of maladaptive behavior.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Oppositional Defiant Disorder
A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Diagnostic Criteria and...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
02:04Bullying
A modern form of aggression is bullying. As you learn in your study of child development, socializing and playing with other children is beneficial for children’s psychological development. However, as you may have experienced as a child, not all play behavior has positive outcomes. Some children are aggressive and want to play roughly. Other children are selfish and do not want to share toys. One form of negative social interactions among children that has become a national concern is bullying.
01:28Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
01:30Information Processing Approach
The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is also...
03:00Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...