J Korean Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry.  2010 Feb;21(1):37-44.

Gender Differences of Externalizing and Internalizing Behavior Problems According to the Extracurricular Education

• Song J
• Jon DI
• Soek JH
• Hong N
• Kim YS
• Hong HJ

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to evaluate gender differences with respect to the internalization or externalization of symptoms according to the amount of time spent engaged in extracurricular education.
METHODS
The study included a community sample of 755 boys and girls (mean age, 6.6 years), collected from five elementary schools in Gunpo, South Korea. Primary caregivers completed a questionnaire which included information on demographics, the amounts of time children spent in extracurricular education and with other activities, and an adapted form of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-2). Gender differences regarding externalizing and internalizing behavior problems were examined according to extracurricular education.
RESULTS
With respect to the boys, there was a difference in the frequency of those who had externalizing behavior problems according to their time spent in extracurricular education. In contrast, the girls exhibited no difference. With respect to those children who spent a lot of time engaged in extracurricular education, there was a gender-specific difference only with respect to externalizing behavior problems.
CONCLUSION
A gender-specific difference exists only in terms of externalizing behavior problems according to time spent engaged in extracurricular education.

Keyword

Gender Difference; Externalizing Behavior Problem; Internalizing Behavior Problem; BASC-2

MeSH Terms

Caregivers
Child
Demography
Humans
Republic of Korea
Surveys and Questionnaires