How do behavior problems change over time in childhood? Evidence from the early childhood longitudinal study

This study investigates the developmental trajectories and predictors of childhood behavior problems using nine waves of data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study. Analyzing data from 11,779 (internalizing problems) and 11,785 (externalizing problems) children (ages 5-13), the study identified three patterns for internalizing problems (low-increased, low-stable, medium-decreased) and five for externalizing problems (high-decreased, medium-decreased, low-very high increased, low-increased, low-stable). Race, gender, family socioeconomic status, and self-control significantly predicted these trajectories, highlighting the heterogeneity of behavior problem development and the need for individualized approaches to prevention and intervention.

Chen Chen