A Structural Relationship Among the Related Variables of Children's Internalizing and Externalizing Problems

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the structural relationship between the related variables of children`s internalization and externalization of problems. A total of 709 elementary school students residing in Daegu City and Kyungpook province completed questionnaires which assessed family interaction functions, emotional regulation, self-control, and internalization and externalization of problems. The sample variance-covariance matrix was analyzed using AMOS 19.0, and a maximum likelihood minimization function. Goodness of fit was evaluated using the SRMS, RMSEA, and its 90% confidence interval, CFI, and TLI. The results were as follows : First, the function of family interaction, and emotional regulation had a significant direct effect on the internalization of problems. Moreover, emotional regulation, self-control and internalization of problems had a statistically substantial direct effect on the externalization of problems. Second, family interaction functions did not have a statistically significant direct on children`s externalization of problems, although it may well have an indirect effect on children`s externalization of problems through emotional regulation and self-control. Finally, self-control did not enjoy a direct effect on children`s internalization of problems.