Internalizing Problems In Adolescence Research Articles

A Longitudinal Study of Forms of Peer Victimization and Internalizing Problems in Adolescence.

The present study examined developmental changes in forms of peer victimization and longitudinal associations between forms of peer victimization and internalizing problems among Japanese adolescents. Participants were 271 students (Time 1M age = 12.72, SD = 0.45, 50% girls) from 9 classrooms and 2 public middle schools in Japan. Data were collected at five time points from 7th to 9th grade. Growth curve modeling (GCM) of mean changes indicated that relational victimization and internalizing problems decreased over three school years. Overt victimization first decreased and then remained relatively constant toward the end of the assessment. In addition, the results of the Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model (RI-CLPM) indicated that the random intercept of relational victimization was positively and strongly correlated with that of internalizing problems. Although the random intercept of overt victimization was positively correlated with that of internalizing problems, the effect size was small to moderate. In general, there were no significant within-person changes between relational and overt victimization and internalizing problems. However, some exceptions were noted towards the end of middle school, such that higher relational victimization was associated with increases in internalizing problems, which in turn led to more relational victimization. There were no gender differences in the above trajectories or in the transactional models. The findings regarding at-risk youth who are vulnerable to relational and overt victimization are discussed from clinical, cultural, and developmental perspectives.

Parents' Power Assertive Discipline and Internalizing Problems in Adolescents: The Role of Attachment

SYNOPSIS Objective. To increase understanding of the link between power assertive discipline and internalizing problems in adolescence, the present study investigated the role of attachment. Design. For this purpose, 514 families (mothers, fathers, and adolescents ranging in age from 10 to 18 years) completed questionnaires measuring power assertive discipline, attachment, and internalizing problems. Power assertive discipline was measured with multiple informants. The mediating and moderating role of attachment was investigated with bootstrapping analyses. Results. Complete mediation was found in the entire group and independent of parents' gender. Analyses for separate age groups confirmed the mediating role of attachment. Power assertive discipline tended to be linked with higher internalizing problems only when early adolescents reported high levels of attachment security. Conclusion. Power assertive discipline is associated with internalizing problems and less secure attachment, and attachment explained the association between power assertive discipline and internalizing problems.