Purpose: This study is an exploration of the relationship between self-image and externalizing problem behavior for girls. This behavior is most commonly observed for boys but seems to be the most...Show morePurpose: This study is an exploration of the relationship between self-image and externalizing problem behavior for girls. This behavior is most commonly observed for boys but seems to be the most difficult to inhibit for girls. This study may contribute to novel interventions for this specific group of girls. Besides self-image, the subdomain social acceptance, the subdomain physical appearance and age may also be related with this behavior for girls. Therefore, these variables have also been included in the study. Methods: The subjects of this study were girls between eight and eighteen years old (n = 35) who participated in a bigger study from the Preventief Interventie Team (PIT) that selected children and adolescents based on their higher risk for showing externalizing behavior. The Competentie Belevingsschaal voor Kinderen (CBSK) and the Compententie Belevingsschaal voor Adolescenten (CBSA) were filled out by the girls themselves to measure self-image and the two subdomains social acceptance and physical appearance. To measure externalizing problem behavior in the study subjects, the Teacher Report Form (TRF) was taken by the teachers and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was taken by the parents. Results: Self-image and social acceptance both correlate significantly with externalizing behavior as judged by the teachers but not by the parents. Physical appearance and age did not show such correlation, consequently self-image is not a mediator for the relationship between age and externalizing behavior. Conclusions: These results suggest that girls with a more positive self-image or girls who feel socially accepted show more externalizing behavior at school, but not at home. Based on the study limitations these conclusions must be interpreted carefully. With a bigger sample, more variable sources and diverse measurements, future research can hopefully focus on how interventions can help these girls develop a realistic self-image to inhibit or even prevent externalizing behavior.Show less
