Gendered Trajectories in the Development of Internalizing Problems (1 CE)

Number of Credits: 1

This course is for: Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, and Marriage & Family Therapists

Course By: Ken Springer, PhD

Content By:  Gutman, L. M., & McMaster, N. C. (2020). Gendered pathways of internalizing problems from early childhood to adolescence and associated adolescent outcomes. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, (48): 703-718.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-020-00623-w

Course Description: Internalizing problems are among the most prevalent types of child psychopathology, but few studies have examined gender differences in how these problems develop. The present study examined the emergence of internalizing problems between ages 3 and 14, exploring both early predictors as well as behavioral outcomes. Based on questionnaires completed by children as well as parents, the authors identified four gendered trajectories: One group of children, consisting of slightly more boys than girls, showed a low probability of internalizing problems from ages 3 to 14. A second group, consisting of nearly twice as many boys as girls, showed a high probability of internalizing problems during this age range. A third group showed an increasing probability of internalizing problems over time, a trend that leveled off for boys at around age 11 but continued to rise for girls. A fourth group, consisting of boys, showed a decreasing probability of internalizing problems from ages 3 to 14. Gender differences in the predictors and behavioral outcomes of these trajectories were also identified. The results have implications for interventions that target internalizing problems such as anxiety and depression.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the hypotheses and longitudinal methods used to collect data for this study

Describe the main findings of this study concerning the development of internalizing problems among boys and girls, as well as gender-specific predictors and outcomes associated with these problems

Integrate the strengths and limitations of the study, and summarize the clinical implications for interventions that target internalizing problems

Course Outline:

• Read and understand Gendered pathways of internalizing problems from early childhood to adolescence and associated adolescent outcomes
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Describe the hypotheses and longitudinal methods used in this study
• Analyze the four trajectories of development for internalizing problems identified in the study, and understand the gender differences associated with each trajectory
• Analyze the gender-specific predictors and behavioral outcomes associated with each of the four trajectories of development
• Integrate the study's key findings, strengths, limitations, and clinical implications
• Work through the post-test questions, using the article as the sole basis for your answers
• Revisit the article for any missed questions and/or to better understand gender differences in the development of internalizing problems

Approvals: