Child Internalizing Problems in Ukraine: The Role of Prosocial and Antisocial Friends and Generalized Self-Efficacy

The current study examines the association between peer behaviors, self-efficacy, and internalizing symptoms in a sample of 1545 children aged 11 to 13 years old who attended middle schools eastern Ukraine. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) examine role self-efficacy relationship child behaviors (anxiety, depression, somatic complaints) exposure prosocial antisocial friends among girls boys. Higher was linked with fewer for For both boys girls, not statistically associated changes behaviors. However, reported having more had significantly symptoms. greater number has been higher boys, also symptoms; however, there no significant self-efficacy. discusses cultural gender aspects socialization context friends, development behavior problems.