Gender differences in co-developmental trajectories of internalizing and externalizing problems: A 7-year longitudinal study from ages 3 to 12

Álvarez Voces, MaríaDíaz Vázquez, BeatrizLópez-Romero, LauraVillar Torres, PaulaRomero Triñanes, Estrella2025-10-152025-10-152024-10-19Álvarez-Voces, M., Díaz-Vázquez, B., López-Romero, L., Villar, P., & Romero, E. (2024). Gender differences in co-developmental trajectories of internalizing and externalizing problems: A 7-year longitudinal study from ages 3 to 12. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 10.1007/s10578-024-01771-6. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-024-01771-61573-3327https://hdl.handle.net/10347/43081This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-024-01771-6The co-occurrence of externalizing and internalizing problems is acknowledged, but gender differences remain unclear. The present study examines gender differences in the longitudinal relationships between conduct and emotional problems throughout childhood. The sample, drawn from the ELISA project, included 2368 children (48.1% girls; ages 3-12). Latent growth curve models were employed to analyze the trajectories of parent-reported conduct problems and emotional symptoms separately, while parallel process latent growth curve models were utilized to compare joint trajectories. The decrease in conduct problems was consistent for girls, but not for boys. High initial emotional symptoms predicted a slower increase in emotional symptoms over time for girls. Parental positivity was a protective factor for conduct problems in girls. Grandiose-deceitful traits were more related to conduct problems in girls, while callous-unemotional traits were related to emotional symptoms in boys. This study highlights the importance of considering gender in childhood conduct and emotional problems.eng© The Author(s).Co-developmentConduct problemsEmotional symptomsGender differencesParallel-process latent growth curve models6102 Psicología del niño y del adolescente6111 Personalidad610101 Desordenes del comportamientoGender differences in co-developmental trajectories of internalizing and externalizing problems: A 7-year longitudinal study from ages 3 to 12journal article10.1007/s10578-024-01771-6open access