Academic difficulties and internalizing versus externalizing problems: Who gets what and why?

Citation

Wang, Lin (2010). Academic difficulties and internalizing versus externalizing problems: Who gets what and why?. 2010 Add Health Users Conference. Bethesda, MD.

Abstract

Studies have repeatedly shown that stress from academic difficulties can lead to emotional/internalizing problems or behavioral/externalizing problems among adolescents. However, it is unclear why some are at greater risk for emotional problems (such as depressive symptoms) while others are more prone to behavioral problems (such as delinquency). This paper proposes that personal coping resources, particularly self-esteem and locus of control, moderate adolescents’ response to stressors such as academic difficulties and channel them towards either emotional or behavioral problems. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study found 1) higher self-esteem and an internal locus of control generally protect adolescents from both emotional and behavioral problems; 2) adolescent boys and girls with higher self-esteem are likely to have more behavioral problems and emotional problems; 3) adolescent girls with an internal locus of control tend to have emotional problems rather than behavioral problems.

URL

https://addhealth.cpc.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/docs/news/FINAL%202010%20Add%20Health%20Users%20Conference%20Abstracts.pdf

Notes

(Victor)

Reference Type

Conference proceeding

Book Title

2010 Add Health Users Conference

Author(s)

Wang, Lin

Year Published

2010

City of Publication

Bethesda, MD

Reference ID

6438