Longitudinal Evidence for Age- and Sex-Invariant Dimensions of Internalizing Symptoms from Childhood through Adolescence: Self-Worth, Social Anxiety, and Withdrawal
Longitudinal evidence reveals stable dimensions of internalizing symptoms in children and adolescents, indicating distinct developmental pathways.
Key Points
This research aims to identify stable dimensions of internalizing symptoms from childhood through adolescence, examining differences by sex and age.
Used longitudinal samples of adopted and biological children aged 7-17.
Analyzed internalizing symptoms on the Child Behavior Checklist using exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM).
Employed factor trajectory analyses to assess changes in symptom dimensions over time.
Identified three stable dimensions in Sample A: low self-worth/depression, social anxiety/general anxiety, and depression/withdrawal.
Sample B revealed a combined factor of social anxiety/withdrawal alongside low self-worth.
Levels of all dimensions increased from childhood to early adolescence, with distinct trajectories based on sex; girls showed a greater increase in low self-worth/depression.