Longitudinal relations between internalizing problem and peer aggression among Chinese early adolescents: Highlighting the role of self-concept clarity

Adolescent internalizing problems and aggression demonstrate reciprocal relations; however, the differential roles of physical and relational aggression within these interactions have not been thoroughly examined. Additionally, the potential role of self-concept clarity in shaping these dynamic interactions remains insufficiently understood. This study examines the dynamic interplay among self-concept clarity, internalizing problems, and two forms of aggression at the within-person level in Chinese early adolescents. A total of 4731 participants (Mage = 10.91 years, SD = 0.72, 55.1% boys, 44.9% girls) completed assessments across four waves, spaced six months apart. Using the random intercept cross-lagged panel model, the study found that wave-specific increases in self-concept clarity were associated with subsequent decreases in internalizing problems, while wave-specific increases in internalizing problems predicted later decreases in self-concept clarity. Internalizing problems consistently predicted subsequent increases in both physical and relational aggression. The influence of aggression varied by type, with physical aggression having a sustained impact on internalizing problems but not significantly predicting self-concept clarity, whereas relational aggression had short-term effects, significantly predicting both internalizing problems and self-concept clarity at earlier time points but not in later waves. These findings highlight that interventions enhancing self-concept clarity may reduce internalizing problems and aggression during early adolescence.