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Facing Death in Adolescence: What Leads to Internalization and Externalization Problems?

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to test a model to better explain which factors are linked to the development of internalized and externalized problems in adolescents experiencing death through structural equation model. Internalizing problems were predicted by low self-esteem, high PTSD symptomatology and by being a female, whereas externalizing problems were predicted by low self-esteem, by the experience of the loss as central in their own life and by being a male. Our results pointed out the potential importance of controlling this factors in order to provide focused interventions for adolescents after the death of a significant one.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CRIdee, Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica, Largo Gemelli, 1, 20123, Milano, Italy

    Chiara Ionio, Luca Milani, Sarah Miragoli & Paola Di Blasio

  2. Università degli Studi e-Campus, Novedrate, CO, Italy

    Elena Camisasca

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  1. Chiara Ionio
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  2. Elena Camisasca
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Correspondence to Chiara Ionio.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical Standards and Informed Consent

The study have been approved by the University Ethics Committee and have been performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments. All parents gave their informed consent for their children prior to their inclusion in the study.

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Ionio, C., Camisasca, E., Milani, L. et al. Facing Death in Adolescence: What Leads to Internalization and Externalization Problems?. Journ Child Adol Trauma 11, 367–373 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-017-0166-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-017-0166-8

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