Other terms for this cluster of behavior problems include “neurotic” and “overcontrolled” ( Campbell et al., 2000 Eisenberg et al., 2001 Hinshaw, 1987).

In contrast, children may develop internalizing behavior problems such as withdrawn, anxious, inhibited, and depressed behaviors, problems that more centrally affect the child’s internal psychological environment rather than the external world. Studies show that childhood aggression is a strong predictor of adult crime and violence.

Other terms used to describe externalizing behavior problems include “conduct problems,” “antisocial,” and “undercontrolled” (Hinshaw). In the context of this paper, three key behavior problems similarly make up this construct: aggression, delinquency, and hyperactivity. In the research literature, these externalizing disorders consist of disruptive, hyperactive, and aggressive behaviors ( Hinshaw, 1987). The construct of externalizing behavior problems refers to a grouping of behavior problems that are manifested in children’s outward behavior and reflect the child negatively acting on the external environment ( Campbell, Shaw, & Gilliom, 2000 Eisenberg et al., 2001). Finally, clinical implication is briefly discussed.Ī well-known distinction in the field of child psychology and psychiatry is the distinction between “externalizing” and “internalizing” disorders ( Achenbach, 1978). Following this, the biosocial model of childhood externalizing behavior is illustrated and identified as the conceptual framework for biosocially based, childhood externalizing behavior research. The purpose of this article is to describe the construct of childhood externalizing behavior problems in which the concepts of aggression, delinquency, and hyperactivity are outlined. Thus, to understand childhood externalizing behavior is critically important for nursing professionals who specialize in child and adolescent psychiatric and mental health nursing. Gournay, 2001 Hann Parker, McFarlane, Soeken, Silva, & Reel, 1999).

Consequently, violence prevention has become one of the most pressing issues facing our society today (Campbell et al. Homicide is the second leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds in the United States and is the leading cause of death for young African-American males and females ( National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 1996). In 1996, law enforcement agencies arrested 2.9 million juveniles ( Olds et al., 1998). Childhood externalizing behavior and juvenile delinquency are being increasingly viewed as a public health problem ( Campbell, Harris, & Lee, 1995 Hann, 2002). This article is concerned with childhood externalizing behavior, a behavioral problem that is a major risk factor for later juvenile delinquency, adult crime, and violence ( Betz, 1995 Farrington, 1989 Moffitt, 1993).

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