Longitudinal relations between internalizing problem and peer aggression among Chinese early adolescents: Highlighting the role of self-concept clarity

Abstract

Adolescent internalizing problems and aggression demonstrate reciprocal relations; however, the differential roles of physical and relational aggression within these interactions have not been thoroughly examined. Additionally, the potential role of self-concept clarity in shaping these dynamic interactions remains insufficiently understood. This study examines the dynamic interplay among self-concept clarity, internalizing problems, and two forms of aggression at the within-person level in Chinese early adolescents. A total of 4731 participants (Mage = 10.91 years, SD = 0.72, 55.1% boys, 44.9% girls) completed assessments across four waves, spaced six months apart. Using the random intercept cross-lagged panel model, the study found that wave-specific increases in self-concept clarity were associated with subsequent decreases in internalizing problems, while wave-specific increases in internalizing problems predicted later decreases in self-concept clarity. Internalizing problems consistently predicted subsequent increases in both physical and relational aggression. The influence of aggression varied by type, with physical aggression having a sustained impact on internalizing problems but not significantly predicting self-concept clarity, whereas relational aggression had short-term effects, significantly predicting both internalizing problems and self-concept clarity at earlier time points but not in later waves. These findings highlight that interventions enhancing self-concept clarity may reduce internalizing problems and aggression during early adolescence.

Plain language summary

This study examines the reciprocal relations between young adolescents' sense of self, emotional challenges (such as feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress), and two types of aggression—physical aggression (e.g., hitting or pushing) and relational aggression (e.g., gossiping or social exclusion). We followed 4,731 children in China for two years, conducting four survey assessments at six-month intervals. Our findings indicate that adolescents with a clearer sense of self (self-concept clarity) tend to experience fewer emotional difficulties over time. Conversely, when they faced emotional struggles, their self-understanding became less clear. Additionally, emotional challenges contributed to increases in both physical and relational aggression. The effects of aggression differed by type. Physical aggression had long-term consequences, exacerbating emotional difficulties, but did not significantly influence self-concept clarity. In contrast, relational aggression had more immediate effects, impacting both emotional challenges and self-concept clarity in the short term, though its influence weakened over time. These findings suggest that fostering a clearer and more stable self-concept in adolescents could be an effective strategy for reducing both emotional problems and aggressive behaviors. This approach may be particularly valuable during early adolescence, a period of rapid emotional and social development. Strengthening self-concept clarity through targeted interventions may help break the cycle of emotional distress and aggression, promoting healthier psychological and social adjustment.