Analysis of Contributing Factors to Child Externalizing Behavior
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Date
2023-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Externalizing behavior problems in children not only cause difficulties in current relationships, but are also associated with various long-term negative mental health outcomes such as disruptive behavior disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, and substance abuse (Reef et al., 2011). Previous research has identified several factors associated with the presentation of externalizing behavior in children. This study examined the relations between multiple child factors, including negative emotionality, effortful control, inhibitory control, IQ and guilt, as well as maternal factors, including current depressive symptoms and discipline style, on externalizing behavior. Furthermore, this study investigated if, and to what extent each of these factors predicted externalizing behavior. Participants were 125 mother-child dyads drawn from a larger longitudinal study. Each mother completed a battery of questionnaires online prior to a laboratory visit, each designed to asses a particular factor pertaining to the study. These included the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to asses externalizing behavior, the Children's Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ) to asses negative emotionality and effortful control, and the Parenting Dimensions and Behavior Questionnaire (PBDQ) to asses maternal parenting styles. During the laboratory visit, children completed a modified version of the Flanker Task to assess inhibitory control, as well as participated in a guilt task. A regression analysis was conducted in order to examine the relationships amongst the factors as well as their contribution to externalizing behavior. Negative emotionality, effortful control, mothers' current depressive symptoms, as well as both punitive and permissive discipline styles all displayed significant contributions. Results of the study further clarify connections between the factors and provide a more holistic view of externalizing behavior in children.
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Keywords
Child Externalizing Behavior, Child Negative Emotionality, Child Effortful Control, Child Guilt, Maternal Depression, Maternal Discipline Style