Investigating negative life events, externalizing behavioural problems among adolescents and the influence of the environment

Abstract

Previous research has shown that there exists a relation between negative life events and externalizing behavioural problems among adolescents. This relation might be weakened by potential buffers. This study examined whether negative life events (T2) was a predictor for externalizing behavioural problems among adolescents (T3). This study also studied whether SES and peer support could be potential buffers in the relation between negative life events and externalizing behavioural problems among adolescents. Longitudinal data of TRAILS at wave 1, wave 2 and wave 3 was used (N = 2230, 49.2% boys, MageT1 = 11.11, SD = .55). There was no relation between negative life events and externalizing behavioural problems among adolescents. Besides, SES and peer support were not significant moderators in the relation between negative life events and externalizing behavioural problems. These results are not in line with the proposed hypotheses. Nevertheless, this study provides starting points for future research and implications such as studying the hypothesized relations of the current study at a later age.