Abstract
Background
The prevalence of childhood psychopathology fluctuates across the lifespan, yet studies often adopt linear growth curve models (LGM) of estimation that assumes constant linear growth and do not account for the comorbidity between internalizing and externalizing behaviors in predicting later psychosis. This study tests whether internalizing and externalizing behaviors in early childhood (4–9 years) and adolescence (11–16 years) are best modelled by a two-part parallel piecewise growth model (2-PGM) or a single LGM (4–16 years) and whether specific developmental periods better predict psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) in adulthood (18 years).
Methods
Parent-rated child’s psychopathology on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (Goodman, 2006) at ages 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, and 16 years from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children were first modelled by a parallel LGM, then a 2-PGM, to predict clinician-rated adult PLEs. Models were re-run controlling for confounds assessed prior to age 4 years (i.e., child’s gender, verbal IQ, socioeconomic status, maternal education, prior diagnosis of mental health issues, and stressful life experiences at 42 months).
Results
Considering internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors in tandem, a 2-PGM fit the data better than a LGM (CFI/TLI = .97/.96, 2(129) = 781.63, p < .001, RMSEA = .033, 90%CI[.031-.035], WRMR = 1.32, N = 4717). Controlling for confounds, internalizing symptoms at baseline (b = .130, p = .004) and changes (b = .196, p < .001) in early childhood best predicted adult PLEs, but not changes in adolescent internalizing/externalizing symptoms. Females were more likely than males to be in the definite/suspected PLEs group at 18 years (b = .078, p = .006). Findings suggest that maternal reports of internalizing problem behaviors, particularly in primary school years, provide predictive utility of clinician-assessed PLEs.
Discussion
Using a 2-PGM technique may better identify important developmental windows of assessment and intervention for PLEs than LGM. Findings have important theoretical and practical implications for mental health research.
T29. CHILDHOOD PSYCHOPATHOLOGY ACROSS 12 YEARS PREDICTS ADULT PSYCHOTIC-LIKE EXPERIENCES: A PARALLEL TWO-PART PIECEWISE LATENT GROWTH CURVE MODEL
