Emotional Awareness and Internalizing Problems : A Preliminary Test of State and Trait Associations among Adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: Difficulties in emotional awareness (EA) are often linked to<br/>the risk of internalizing problems (IP). Most empirical studies have found<br/>this association but have not considered possible state- and trait-related<br/>fluctuations in EA and IP assessments.<br/><br/>Aims: We tested the directionality of the state-level associations, that is,<br/>whether EA at Time 1 predicts IP at Time 2 or the other way around. In<br/>line with previous research, we hypothesized that low EA would predict a<br/>subsequent increase in IP, as difficulties in emotional awareness dispose one<br/>to emotional problems. As an alternative model, we tested the trait-level<br/>associations between EA and IP. We hypothesized that a negative latent<br/>correlation exists between EA and IP, as common factors may cause them<br/>to be associated at the trait level.<br/><br/>Methods: Participants were 68 students who completed the Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire at<br/>two-time points with a one-month interval. We used the Cross-lagged Panel Model to test the state-level associations and structural equation modeling to test trait-level effects.<br/><br/>Results: Results displayed no directional effect of EA on IP, and neither<br/>did IP predict EA within one month. However, we found a trait-level correlation between EA and IP. We discuss the preliminary results between<br/>state and trait level EA and IP in the context of the early developmental<br/>environment.<br/><br/>Conclusions: This study is a preliminary test of state- and trait-level associations between EA and IP, which could be valuable for practitioners<br/>and clinicians.