Childhood psychopathology
Chapter 1 Notes
Internalizing vs. Externalizing Disorders
*When you think of childhood and adolescent psychopathology, what problems come to mind?
*Deviant behavior *Aggression
*Hyperactivity *Attention Problems
*School Difficulties *Drugs
**These can all be considered “Externalizing”
*Truancy *Shyness *Fears
*Withdrawal *Depression *Somatic Problems
**These can all be considered “Internalizing”
*I vs. E is a common terminology, which is often used to discuss abnormal psychology
*Used more frequently when describing children
*This I vs. E distinction is NOT seen in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders.) Rather, it is a classification system built on the empirical work of Thomas Achenbach
(Child Behavior Checklist; CBCL).
*Definitions:
*Internalizing Disorders: cannot see as readily; defined as problems turned inwards; seen as
problem of overcontrol.
*Also referred to as “Emotional Problems” or “Personality Problems” or “Inhibition”
*Externalizing Disorders: very obvious and bothersome to others; defined as problems turned
outward; conduct problems are the hallmark; seen as a problem of under control.
*Also referred to as: Behavior Disorders” or “Conduct Problems” or “Aggression”
*Phares & Compas (1990)
*Looked at adolescents’ distress over their emotional and behavioral problems.
*N=151 young adolescents (7th and 8th graders)
*Finding 1: Made a distinction between what behaviors and emotions they found
personally distressing vs. what parents found distressing
*Finding 2: Adolescents reported more personal distress over Internalizing problems,
while they perceived their parents to be more distressed over Externalizing problems.
*Examples:
*Guilt: 87% reported that it bothers them, and 65% felt that it bothered Mom
and 55% Dad. (Internalizing)
*Hang around kids who get in trouble: 54% reported that it bothers them, and
79% felt that it bothered Mom and 74% Dad. (Externalizing)
*Child vs. Adult Report
*Other studies have found that externalizing disorders were rated as more serious and more
worrisome than internalizing disorders by teachers (disrupt other children also…), parents and
psychologists.
*These findings are important to keep in mind children and adolescents rarely refer themselves
for clinical services.
Chapter 1 Notes
Internalizing vs. Externalizing Disorders
*When you think of childhood and adolescent psychopathology, what problems come to mind?
*Deviant behavior *Aggression
*Hyperactivity *Attention Problems
*School Difficulties *Drugs
**These can all be considered “Externalizing”
*Truancy *Shyness *Fears
*Withdrawal *Depression *Somatic Problems
**These can all be considered “Internalizing”
*I vs. E is a common terminology, which is often used to discuss abnormal psychology
*Used more frequently when describing children
*This I vs. E distinction is NOT seen in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders.) Rather, it is a classification system built on the empirical work of Thomas Achenbach
(Child Behavior Checklist; CBCL).
*Definitions:
*Internalizing Disorders: cannot see as readily; defined as problems turned inwards; seen as
problem of overcontrol.
*Also referred to as “Emotional Problems” or “Personality Problems” or “Inhibition”
*Externalizing Disorders: very obvious and bothersome to others; defined as problems turned
outward; conduct problems are the hallmark; seen as a problem of under control.
*Also referred to as: Behavior Disorders” or “Conduct Problems” or “Aggression”
*Phares & Compas (1990)
*Looked at adolescents’ distress over their emotional and behavioral problems.
*N=151 young adolescents (7th and 8th graders)
*Finding 1: Made a distinction between what behaviors and emotions they found
personally distressing vs. what parents found distressing
*Finding 2: Adolescents reported more personal distress over Internalizing problems,
while they perceived their parents to be more distressed over Externalizing problems.
*Examples:
*Guilt: 87% reported that it bothers them, and 65% felt that it bothered Mom
and 55% Dad. (Internalizing)
*Hang around kids who get in trouble: 54% reported that it bothers them, and
79% felt that it bothered Mom and 74% Dad. (Externalizing)
*Child vs. Adult Report
*Other studies have found that externalizing disorders were rated as more serious and more
worrisome than internalizing disorders by teachers (disrupt other children also…), parents and
psychologists.
*These findings are important to keep in mind children and adolescents rarely refer themselves
for clinical services.
