Our next step in the cascades analysis was to progressively consider the influence of pathways in a developmental sequence. Thus, we evaluated cross-lagged relations occurring among domains from earlier to later childhood. Internalizing problems were found to play an influential role. In particular, early internalizing problems served to curb the development of later increases in childhood externalizing difficulties, a finding consistent with the braking effect of internalizing symptoms on antisocial development (Burt et al., 2008; Masten et al., 2005). In addition, early internalizing difficulties contributed to decreases in social competence later in childhood. Thus, children who socially withdraw and struggle with anxiety and depression increasingly are less successful in engaging with their peers, forming friendships, and developing prosocial behaviors. Note also that, with the addition of this pathway, both direct and indirect contributions of child maltreatment to diminished social competence among peers were identified; maltreatment was related to social competence directly while also contributing to internalizing problems, leading to further decrements in competence in the peer arena.
