Using cross-domain latent growth modeling, we examined trajectories
of externalizing and internalizing problems in disadvantaged boys
followed from ages 2 to 6 years (N = 303). On average,
externalizing problems gradually decreased and internalizing problems
gradually increased. However, we found significant variability in
individual-level trajectories. Higher levels of externalizing problems
were associated with higher levels of internalizing problems; rates of
change were also positively correlated across domains. In addition,
high levels of externalizing problems predicted rapid increases in
internalizing problems. In follow-up analyses involving child and
parenting factors, the combination of high negative emotionality,
low fearfulness, and high negative maternal control preceded
high, nondecreasing externalizing trajectories. The combination of high
negative emotionality, high fearfulness, and high negative
maternal control preceded high, increasing internalizing trajectories.
Taken together, the results indicate both general and specific
processes in the development of early externalizing and internalizing
problems.This research was supported by
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Grants MH50907 and MH01666
to the second author and NIMH National Research Service Award
1F31MH12226 to the first author. We thank Emily Winslow and Elizabeth
Owens for developing the Early Parenting Coding System and the Negative
Emotionality Coding System, respectively. We also thank the study
participants for teaching us about child development.