Common and specific correlates of preadolescent internalizing and externalizing psychopathology

The specificity of various child characteristics and environmental correlat es of childhood internalizing and externalizing problems was examined using both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses (from ages 2-3 and 4-5 year s) in a general population sample of 10-11-year-olds. Specificity was defin ed according to a between-subjects and a within-subjects method, using pare nt and teacher reports of psychopathology. Temperamental withdrawal, parent al internalizing psychopathology, and early single parenthood (for girls) w ere identified as correlates that are specific for internalizing problems, whereas temperamental high general activity level was identified as externa lizing-specific. Further, parenting stress. poor school results (only for b oys), and stressful life events (only for girls) were found to be common co rrelates of psychopathology. Research implications regarding the findings a nd the use of a within-subjects method are discussed.