Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Activity in Toddlers - Resting and Developmental Challenges
08:22

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Activity in Toddlers - Resting and Developmental Challenges

Published on: February 25, 2016

The nature and predictors of undercontrolled and internalizing problem trajectories across early childhood

Kristin S Mathiesen1, Ann Sanson, Mike Stoolmiller

  • 1Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404, Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway. krma@fhi.no

Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
|September 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Early childhood problems like undercontrolled and internalizing issues show distinct developmental paths. Child temperament and family factors significantly influence these trajectories from 18 months onward.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Childhood behavioral problems are a significant concern.
  • Understanding developmental trajectories is crucial for early intervention.
  • Early identification of risk factors can inform preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the developmental trajectories of undercontrolled and internalizing problems in young children.
  • To identify early child temperament and family factors predicting these trajectories.
  • To investigate the lasting effects of early risk factors on problem development.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study using growth curve modeling.
  • Population-based sample of 921 Norwegian children.
  • Data collected from 18 months to 4.5 years of age.

Main Results:

  • Undercontrolled problems decreased, while internalizing problems increased with age.
  • Early child temperament and family factors predicted stability and change in problem behaviors.
  • Lower partner support and higher child emotionality predicted increased undercontrolled problems.
  • Higher family stress predicted increased internalizing problems.

Conclusions:

  • Undercontrolled and internalizing problems follow distinct developmental pathways from early ages.
  • Early experiences and risk factors have persistent effects on problem development.
  • A dynamic approach considering changes in risk factors is essential for analyzing child behavior problems.

More Related Videos

Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood08:09

Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood

Published on: February 11, 2017

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children07:01

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children

Published on: March 1, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct 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;...
Socioemotional Development during Infancy01:30

Socioemotional Development during Infancy

Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Relationship with Parents: Attachment01:28

Relationship with Parents: Attachment

Parent-child interactions lay the foundation for how we understand relationships throughout life. These interactions are not uniform across families; instead, they are shaped by a range of environmental, emotional, and behavioral factors unique to each caregiver-child dynamic. Social psychologists study these early relationships to understand how patterns formed in infancy influence social functioning and interpersonal behavior in adulthood.Attachment Theory and Early Relational ModelsJohn...
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional 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...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-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.
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other01:20

Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other

According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group effort.