Early-childhood temperament moderates the prospective associations of coping with adolescent internalizing and externalizing symptoms

Abstract

While appraisal and coping are known to impact adolescent psychopathology, more vulnerable or resilient responses to stress may depend on individual temperament. This study examined early life temperament as a moderator of the prospective relations of pre-adolescent appraisal and coping with adolescent psychopathology. The sample included 226 (62% female, 14–15 years) adolescents with assessments starting at 3 years of age. Adolescents were predominately White (12% Black 9% Asian, 11% Latinx, 4% Multiracial, and 65% White). Observed early-childhood temperament (fear, frustration, executive control, and delay ability) were tested as moderators of pre-adolescent coping (active and avoidant) and appraisal (threat, positive) on internalizing and externalizing symptoms during the pandemic. Interaction effects were tested using regression in R. Sex and family context of stress were covariates. Early-childhood temperament was correlated with pre-adolescent symptoms, however, pre-adolescent appraisal and coping but not temperament predicted adolescent psychopathology. Frustration moderated the relations of active and avoidant coping and positive appraisal to symptoms such that coping and appraisal related to lower symptoms only for those low in frustration. Executive control moderated the associations of avoidant coping with symptoms such that avoidance reduced the likelihood of symptoms for youth low in executive control. Findings underscore the role of emotionality and self-regulation in youth adjustment, with the impact of coping differing with temperament. These findings suggest that equipping youth with a flexible assortment of coping skills may serve to reduce negative mental health outcomes.

A systematic review of pre-pandemic resilience factors and mental health outcomes in adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…However, only a handful of studies included in our systematic review conducted multiple COVID-19 follow-ups and employed a study design that could answer such an important question. For instance, Smith et al (2022) assessed pandemic outcomes at two intervals eight months apart, and found that whilst pre-pandemic coping abilities had no impact on psychopathology during the initial outbreak, they were associated with decreased internalising symptoms as time progressed. Bussone et al (2023) reported similar findings, however, their study lacked methodological robustness.…”

“…Additionally, Holt-Gosselin et al (2022) found no association between pre-pandemic adaptive coping and pandemic depression or anxiety symptoms in a sample of young adults. Smith et al (2022), however, assessed pandemic outcomes at two intervals eight months apart, and found that whilst pre-pandemic coping abilities had no impact on psychopathology during the initial outbreak, they were associated with decreased internalising symptoms as time progressed. Bussone et al (2023) identified a comparable trend, although focusing on a different aspect of resilience.…”