Internalizing Symptoms in Developmental Dyslexia: A Comparison Between Primary and Secondary School

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Developmental dyslexia (DD) is linked to internalizing symptoms, but findings vary.
• Previous research has not fully clarified age-related differences or contributing factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare internalizing symptom severity in primary vs. secondary school students with DD.
• Investigate contextual and subjective factors exacerbating internalizing symptoms in adolescents with DD.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments involving students with and without DD.
• Standardized reading tests for dyslexia diagnosis.
• Psychometric questionnaires for internalizing symptoms, self-esteem, decision-making, and quality of life.

Main Results:

• Adolescents with DD exhibited higher anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms compared to controls; no significant differences were found in childhood.
• In adolescents with DD, high internalizing symptoms correlated with low self-esteem and hyperactive responses to problems.
• Positive peer relationships were associated with lower symptom severity.

Conclusions:

• Internalizing symptoms in adolescents with DD are influenced by social protective and risk factors.
• Dyslexia remediation should incorporate motivation, self-esteem enhancement, and peer network building from childhood to prevent symptom development.