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Published on: July 10, 2017
Racial/ethnic differences in internalizing and externalizing symptoms in adolescents
Katie A McLaughlin1, Lori M Hilt, Susan Nolen-Hoeksema
1Department of Psychology, Yale University, P.O. Box 208205, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. katie.mclaughlin@yale.edu
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
|May 18, 2007
Summary
Racial and ethnic differences in adolescent psychiatric symptoms are significant. Hispanic females showed higher depression, anxiety, and aggression, while Black males reported more externalizing behaviors and anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Prevalence of adult psychiatric disorders varies by race/ethnicity.
- Research on adolescent psychiatric symptom racial/ethnic differences is inconsistent.
- Internalizing and externalizing symptoms in youth require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine racial/ethnic differences in internalizing and externalizing symptoms in adolescents.
- To investigate prevalence of depression, anxiety, aggression, and disordered eating across groups.
- To assess comorbidity rates among different racial/ethnic groups in early adolescence.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to a large sample of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders.
- Inclusion of well-represented White, Black, and Hispanic/Latino racial/ethnic groups.
- Analysis of internalizing (depression, anxiety) and externalizing (aggression) symptom prevalence.
Main Results:
- Hispanic females reported higher depression, anxiety, and reputational aggression.
- Black males reported higher overt aggression, physiologic anxiety, and disordered eating.
- Hispanic females exhibited greater comorbidity than other racial/ethnic groups.
Conclusions:
- Significant racial/ethnic disparities exist in adolescent psychiatric symptom presentation.
- Findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive prevention and intervention strategies.
- Adolescent mental health research must consider diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds.
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