Early risk indicators of internalizing problems in late childhood: a 9-year longitudinal study.
BACKGROUND
Longitudinal studies on risk indicators of internalizing problems in childhood are in short supply, but could be valuable to identify target groups for prevention.


METHODS
Standardized assessments of 294 children's internalizing problems at the age of 2-3 years (parent report), 4-5 years (parent and teacher report) and 11 years (parent and teacher) were available in addition to risk indicators from the child, family and contextual domain.


RESULTS
Low socioeconomic status, family psychopathology at child age 2-3, parenting stress at child age 4-5 years, and parents' reports of child internalizing problems at age 4-5 years were the strongest predictors of internalizing problems at the age of 11. If these early risk factors were effectively ameliorated through preventive interventions, up to 57% of internalizing cases at age 11 years could be avoided.


CONCLUSIONS
Predictors from as early as 2-5 years of age are relevant for identifying children at risk of internalizing problems in late childhood. The methodological approach used in this study can help to identify children who are most in need of preventive interventions and help to assess the potential health gain and efficiency of such interventions.
Ashford
Janka
J
Department of Clinical Psychology and Department of Developmental Psychology VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Smit
Filip
F
van Lier
Pol A C
PA
Cuijpers
Pim
P
Koot
Hans M
HM
D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008016:Life Change Events; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009426:Netherlands; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors