The association between internalizing symptomology and risky behaviors in youth

What is it about?

Internalizing symptoms (Withdrawn/Depressed and Anxious/Depressed), measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), were examined as related to the development of externalizing problems, a pathway to risk-behavior. A cross-section of children aged 6 to 15 was drawn from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s (NICHD) Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD) longitudinal dataset of 1,364 families with full-term, healthy newborns throughout the U.S. Internalizing and externalizing scores were determined through mother’s reports on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). When considered separately and together, internalizing symptoms significantly related to externalizing behaviors, with Anxious/Depressed accounting for the greatest proportion of variance. As age increased, internalizing symptoms accounted for a greater degree of externalizing problem variance. Sex was a significant moderator. Results suggest the utility of identifying and treating internalizing problems early, which may reduce the occurrence of externalizing and risky behaviors such as substance abuse.

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Why is it important?

Internalizing and externalizing behaviors are common throughout childhood and adolescence. The study suggests that identifying and treating internalizing problems early may the likelihood of risky behaviors in later life.