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Exploring Gender Differences on Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior Among Maltreated Youth: Implications for Social Work Action

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Abstract

This purpose of this study was to explore the moderating influence of gender on the relationship between child maltreatment and internalizing symptoms (e.g., affective and somatic problems) and externalizing behavior (e.g., rule breaking behavior and aggression) among children aged 7–12 years old. Using a longitudinal comparison group design and a sample of 300 youth of which 56% (n = 168) had substantiated cases of child maltreatment, results of a structural equation modeling revealed that internalizing symptoms exerted a mediating influence that was conditioned by gender. Only girls’ internalizing symptoms were found to mediate the link between child maltreatment and externalizing behavior while a direct relationship between maltreatment and externalizing behavior was found among boys. These findings provide evidence for gender differences in the pathways between being child maltreatment and maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Thus, adapting evidence-based strategies that target gender specific internalizing behaviors and externalizing behaviors among maltreated youth may significantly reduce the risk of short and long-term maladaptive behavior.

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Acknowledgment

The original study was funded by the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Award Number: 90CA1635).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, 113 West 60th Street, New York, NY, 10023, USA

    Tina Maschi

  2. Department of Behavioral and Historical Studies, Centenary College, 400 Jefferson Street, Hackettstown, NJ, 07840, USA

    Keith Morgen

  3. School of Social Work, Monmouth University, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ, 08904, USA

    Carolyn Bradley

  4. School of Social Work, University of Georgia, 302 Tucker Hall, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Schnavia Smith Hatcher

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  1. Tina Maschi
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Correspondence to Tina Maschi.

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Maschi, T., Morgen, K., Bradley, C. et al. Exploring Gender Differences on Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior Among Maltreated Youth: Implications for Social Work Action. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 25, 531–547 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-008-0139-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-008-0139-8

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