Internalizing and externalizing problems across childhood and psychotic-like experiences in young-adulthood: The role of developmental period

Psychopathology in childhood and adolescence, commonly indexed by co-occurring internalizing externalizing problem behaviors, has been found to predict psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) adults. However, studies date have rarely examined behaviors simultaneously or identified which developmental period do these PLEs This study tests what extent (4–9 years) adolescence (11–16 young-adulthood (18 years). Parent-rated child problems on the Strengths Difficulties Questionnaire at ages 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 16 years from Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents Children (N = 4717) were modelled using two-piece latent growth curve modelling clinician-rated age 18 years, controlling for confounders (gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, parental education stressful life events) assessed prior baseline 4 years. Controlling confounders, an increase 9 (at predicted explaining 9.5% variance adult PLEs. These associations independent controls any changes adolescent 11 High levels increasing throughout can Externalizing around transition primary school may be particularly helpful informing risk young-adulthood.