Effortful Control Predicts Adolescent Antisocial-Aggressive Behaviors and Depressive Symptoms: Co-Occurrence and Moderation by Impulsivity.
Effortful control is associated with fewer aggressive-antisocial behaviors (AAB) and depressive symptoms (DEP), but impulsivity may moderate these relations. However, few researchers have considered the effects of AAB-DEP co-occurrence. A multi-informant, multimethod approach assessed 5- to 10-year-olds' effortful control and impulsivity and, 5-6 years later, their AAB and DEP (N = 474). Participants were non-Hispanic Caucasian (59.2%) or Hispanic (27.9%) from a Southwestern U.S. metropolitan area. Low effortful control predicted pure AAB. Low effortful control and low impulsivity predicted pure DEP and co-occurring AAB-DEP. An effortful Control × Impulsivity × Age interaction predicted pure AAB and co-occurring AAB-DEP. For older adolescents, lower effortful control predicted more symptoms only at average and high impulsivity. Results highlight multiple pathways to pure DEP versus pure AAB or co-occurring AAB-DEP.
Arizona State University.
Frances L
FL
Wang
Arizona State University.
Laurie
L
Chassin
Arizona State University.
Nancy
N
Eisenberg
Arizona State University.
Tracy L
TL
Spinrad
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D000367:Age Factors; D000374:Aggression / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003863:Depression / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D000068356:Self-Control