Combining dynamic systems and multivariate analyses to compare the mother-child interactions of externalizing subtypes.
A dynamic systems analysis was conducted to distinguish the parent-child interactions of "pure" externalizing children from children comorbid for externalizing and internalizing problems. Thirty-three parents and clinically referred children (8-12 years old) discussed a problem for 4 min and then tried to "wrap up" in response to a signal (a perturbation). The perturbation was intended to increase the pressure on the dyad, triggering a reorganization of their behavioral system. We hypothesized that the comorbid group would be distinguished from the externalizing-only group as a result of this reorganization, but not before. The sequential data were analyzed using a combination of case-sensitive (state space grids and chi-square analyses) and group-based, multivariate techniques (log-linear modeling). Results revealed that externalizing dyads engaged in a permissive pattern throughout the problem-solving session, whereas comorbid dyads shifted from a permissive pattern to a mutually hostile pattern after the perturbation. These findings punctuate the need for a dynamic systems approach to the study of relationship processes associated with the development of childhood psychopathology. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
Granic
Isabela
I
Department of Psychology, Child and Family Center, University of Oregon, Eugene 97401-3408, USA. igranic@darkwing.uoregon.edu
Lamey
Alex V
AV
D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011340:Problem Solving; D011582:Psychological Theory