Early Social Emotional Competencies As Predictors of Internalizing Problems in Latinx Children
Published In
Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology
Document Type
Citation
Publication Date
2023
Abstract
Ethnic disparities in depression and anxiety persist despite public health efforts to reduce them. This study focused on the development of internalizing symptoms in Latinx children to inform efforts to intervene early in this population. We assessed emotion knowledge, social skills, and withdrawn behavior as predictors of internalizing problems from age 4 or 5 through age 9. The study took place in New York City with 749 children of Mexican- or Dominican-origin (Mage = 4.93 years; SD = 0.57; 49% boys) who were predominately (92%) from immigrant families. We found main effects for withdrawn behavior in certain subgroups. Emotion knowledge was not a significant predictor of anxiety and depression. Findings underscore mixed support for the role of early social emotional competencies in internalizing problems in Latinx children and suggest the need for caution in implementing universal social and emotional learning interventions without careful consideration of culture and context.
Rights
© 2023 Elsevier Inc.
Locate the Document
DOI
10.1016/j.appdev.2023.101615
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/41794
Publisher
Elsevier
Citation Details
Calzada, E. J., Huang, K. Y., Ursache, A., Sevillano, L., & Kim, N. (2024). Early social emotional competencies as predictors of internalizing problems in Latinx children. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 91, 101615.