Between- and Within-Child Levels of Associations Between Externalizing and Internalizing Problems in Elementary School Children

• In Event: Developmental Trajectories: Insights From Longitudinal Data

Abstract

The present study aims to test competing theoretical hypotheses regarding the mechanisms of comorbidity between externalizing and internalizing problems. We analyze a nationally representative sample of U.S. schoolchildren followed from kindergarten through Grade 5 to explore whether externalizing-internalizing comorbidity is due to directional influences from one domain to the other or common risk factors associated with both domains. Results from the analysis of random-intercepts cross-lagged panel models provide stronger evidence to support the common-risk hypothesis. Results from an additional analysis of early life predictors suggest that lack of inhibitory control was the strongest common risk factor associated with both domains across 6 years of elementary school. The implications of the findings for future research and intervention will be discussed.

Authors

• Yoonkyung Oh, University of Texas - Health Science Center at Houston

• Paul L. Morgan, The Pennsylvania State University

• Cheryl Varghese, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Tricia A. Zucker, McGovern Medical School at University of Texas Health Science Center Houston

• Susan Landry, The University of Texas