Cognitive Abilities, Social Adaptation, and Externalizing Behavior Problems in Childhood and Adolescence: Specific Cascade Effects Across Development

Understanding trajectories of problematic behaviors throughout childhood and adolescence can help to develop strategies for preventing negative outcomes in youth. This study investigated children's and adolescents' cognitive abilities (e.g., academic achievement), social adaptation (e.g., coping abilities), and externalizing behavior (e.g., conduct problems) throughout different developmental stages. The findings suggest that difficulties in cognitive abilities, social adaptation, and externalizing behavior in childhood can predict outcomes in adolescence.