Publication

The aim of this study was to use a developmental cascade framework to examine the interrelationship between the externalizing and internalizing problems and prosocial behaviors of children from late infancy (age 3) to late childhood (age 10). A cross-lagged panel model was used to analyze the behavioral assessments of children made by 210 mothers. Their children were aged 3–10 years. Externalizing problems at all times negatively affected prosocial behavior, even when controlled for maternal depression. An externalizing problem at the age of 7 years positively affected an internalizing problem at 8 years. Prosocial behavior at the age of 9 years negatively affected an externalizing problem at 10 years. These results support the developmental cascade and show the importance of intervention in externalizing problems from infancy to childhood regardless of age.