Definition
Externalizing behavior comprises any of a wide variety of generally antisocial acts (i.e., acts that violate social norms and/or are harmful to others). These acts include those that are targeted at another individual (e.g., aggression), as well as acts that may be considered victimless (e.g., substance use). Disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition (DSM-5), with primarily externalizing features include oppositional defiant disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, conduct disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. However, externalizing behaviors may also be present for individuals experiencing other mental health difficulties. Notably, externalizing behaviors frequently co-occur with other disorders, including substance abuse disorders and internalizing problems (e.g., depression, anxiety; American Psychiatric...
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Kauten, R., Barry, C.T. (2020). Externalizing Behavior. In: Zeigler-Hill, V., Shackelford, T.K. (eds) Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24612-3_894
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24612-3_894
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