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Personality profile for adolescents at risk for internalizing and externalizing problems.
1University of Barcelona, Spain.
Psychological Reports
|November 6, 2008
Summary
Adolescent psychopathology risk is linked to distinct personality profiles that vary by sex. Internalizing symptoms in boys manifest as shyness, while girls exhibit emotional distance. Externalizing behaviors show shared traits like poor self-discipline, with girls also displaying impulsiveness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Psychology
- Psychopathology
Background:
- Adolescence is a critical developmental period.
- Identifying personality profiles associated with psychopathological risk is crucial for early intervention.
- Sex differences in adolescent development and mental health are well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the personality profiles of adolescents at risk for psychopathological disorders.
- To investigate sex differences in these personality profiles.
- To differentiate profiles based on internalizing and externalizing syndromes.
Main Methods:
- Community sample of 762 adolescents (ages 12-16) from Barcelona, Spain.
- Utilized the Youth Self-Report and High School Personality Questionnaire.
- Identified 140 adolescents with symptoms of internalizing or externalizing syndromes.
Main Results:
- Adolescents at risk exhibited distinct personality profiles for internalizing and externalizing symptoms, varying by sex.
- Boys with internalizing symptoms showed inhibited, shy behavior.
- Girls with internalizing symptoms displayed distant affect and emotionality changes.
- Both sexes with externalizing symptoms shared traits like dominance and poor self-discipline.
- Girls with externalizing symptoms additionally showed impulsiveness and social boldness.
Conclusions:
- Personality profiles associated with psychopathological risk in adolescents are sex-specific.
- Understanding these profiles aids in targeted interventions for internalizing and externalizing syndromes.
- Further research can explore the developmental trajectories of these personality patterns.
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