Gender Differences in Co-developmental Trajectories of Internalizing and Externalizing Problems: A 7-Year Longitudinal Study from Ages 3 to 12

The 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.