Prevalence of internalizing and externalizing problems in different stages of life and regions of Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-8623.2025.1.47163Keywords:
Internalizing problems, Externalizing problems, Epidemiology, Mental health, ASEBAAbstract
Internalizing problems (IP) and externalizing problems (EP) are central domains in understanding psychopathology, related to different forms of psychological distress and behavioral impairments. This descriptive, cross-sectional study, based on secondary quantitative data, examined the prevalence of these problems at different stages of development. A total of 9,009 protocols from the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (CBCL/1.5–5, CBCL/6–18, ABCL) were analyzed, corresponding to individuals aged 1.5 to 59 years from three regions of Brazil. Scores falling within the clinical range were observed across all age groups, with a higher prevalence of IP. Female adolescents had higher rates of scores in the clinical range, while emerging adult women had lower rates. These findings highlight the distribution of problems across the lifespan, contributing to prevention and mental health promotion strategies in Brazil.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Teresa Helena Schoen, Márcia Regina Fumagalli Marteleto, Graziela Sapienza, Sandra Regina Gimeniz-Paschoal, Luan Flávia Barufi Fernandes, Fernanda Ribeiro Araujo, Melissa Tenório dos Santos Campinas, Angela Helena Marin Marin, Masha Y. Ivanova
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