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Internalizing problems as a predictor of change in externalizing problems in at-risk youth
Matthew Jarrett1, Salma Siddiqui, John Lochman
1a Department of Psychology , University of Alabama.
Summary
Children with depression symptoms showed greater improvement in externalizing behaviors after a cognitive-behavioral intervention. This finding highlights the impact of internalizing problems on externalizing behavior treatment outcomes for at-risk youth.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Intervention programs for childhood externalizing problems often include children with co-occurring internalizing problems.
- Limited understanding exists on how internalizing issues predict outcomes in these interventions, especially those using cognitive-behavioral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how child risk factors, including anxiety and depressive symptoms, predict changes in externalizing problems.
- To examine outcomes following a school-based preventative intervention (Coping Power Program) for children at risk for externalizing problems.
Main Methods:
- 112 preadolescent children (ages 9-12) participated in the Coping Power Program efficacy study.
- Regression analyses assessed predictors of change in parent- and teacher-reported externalizing problems using the Behavior Assessment System for Children.
Main Results:
- Increased child depression symptoms (parent/teacher-reported) correlated with greater reductions in externalizing behaviors.
- This association was consistent across parent and teacher reports and remained significant after controlling for baseline variables like aggression.
Conclusions:
- Co-occurring depression symptoms may be linked to enhanced treatment response in externalizing behaviors for children in cognitive-behavioral interventions.
- Further research is needed to explore these effects with control groups and investigate underlying mechanisms.
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