Internalizing and Externalizing Behavioural Problems among Higher Secondary Students in Kerala

Abstract

Adolescence is the period of life between the ages of 10-19 years (WHO). This is a stage identified as a period of “storm and stress” in one’s life. Adolescence has been included as an increase in the prevalence of both internalizing as well as externalizing problem behavior is generally demonstrated (Moffitt, 1993). The purpose of the present study was to find out the extent of various behavioural problems in adolescents. The study was a cross sectional descriptive in nature. 143 adolescents (76 males and 67 females) were randomly selected from the district of Thrissur, Kerala. The age range of the sample was 15-18 years. Youth Self Report (YSR/11-18) developed by Achenbach was used to assess behavior problems of adolescents. Student t test was used for statistical analysis of the data. The obtained result indicates that male and female adolescents come under the clinical range of internalizing behavior problems (nearly 75%) and externalizing behavior problems (below 50%). The mean scores, SD, and t value of all the scales were calculated. Significant differences among male and female adolescents were observed in withdrawal/ depression (t=2.199; p