Childhood trauma and internalizing and externalizing behavior problems among adolescents: Role of executive function and life events stress

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to childhood trauma is found to increase internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in adolescents, however, the potential mechanism of this link remains underexplored. This study investigated the associations between childhood trauma and internalizing and externalizing behavior problems among adolescents, and tested the mediating role of executive function and the moderating role of life events stress in this relationship. Methods: Questionnaire data were collected from 952 junior students in Northwest China. Participants ranged in age from 11 to 15 years old (M = 12.88 years, SD = 0.72; 53% females). SPSS 26.0 was used to analyze the relationship between variables and examine the mediation model and the moderated mediation model. Results: Childhood trauma was positively associated with internalizing and externalizing behavior problems among adolescents. In addition, executive function partially mediated the relations between childhood trauma and internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Life events stress was observed to moderate the relations between childhood trauma and executive function, as well as executive function and internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, but the effect sizes were relatively small. Conclusions: These findings underscore the role of executive function and life events stress in the association between childhood trauma and behavioral problems among adolescents. K E Y W O R D Schildhood trauma, executive function, internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, life events stress | INTRODUCTIONChildhood trauma refers to the psychological or physical injuries and threats suffered by individuals during childhood,

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“…During childhood, behavioral problems are typically divided into two categories: internalizing and externalizing problems (Liu et al, 2011; McMahon, 1994; Montoya-Castilla et al, 2018; Ollendick and King, 1994). Internalizing problems indicate internalized expressions of pain or distress, such as anxiety, fear, shyness, somatic complaints, withdrawal, and depression (Bongers et al, 2003; Ollendick and King, 1994; Wei and Lü, 2023). Externalizing problems represent outward expressions of distress, such as defiance, aggression, destructiveness, and conduct problems (McMahon, 1994; Wei and Lü, 2023).…”

“…Internalizing problems indicate internalized expressions of pain or distress, such as anxiety, fear, shyness, somatic complaints, withdrawal, and depression (Bongers et al, 2003; Ollendick and King, 1994; Wei and Lü, 2023). Externalizing problems represent outward expressions of distress, such as defiance, aggression, destructiveness, and conduct problems (McMahon, 1994; Wei and Lü, 2023). Behavioral problems are highly prevalent.…”