Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between control-related beliefs with the internalizing and externalizing psy-chopathology in children.

Method: In this ex post facto study, 80 children with internalizing and externalizing disorders who were referred to the counseling clinic and private offices were selected on a convenient sampling method then classified under two psychopathology groups. The control group was selected from 40 children matched in age and sex with the affected subjects. Three scales were used for measuring control-related beliefs in three academic, behavioral and social domains: The Perceived Control Scale, Perceived Contingency Scale, and the Perceived Competence Scale. Multi-variate analysis of variance and descriptive statistics were used for statistical analysis.

Results: This study revealed significant differences in the control- and competence-related beliefs under the academic, behavioral and social domains between the internalizing and externalizing psychopathology groups and the normal control group (p<0.001). In competence beliefs, there were significant differences between the internalizing and externalizing psychopathology groups under the behavioral domain (p<0.001). No significant differences was observed in the belief of contingency between the three groups.

Conclusion: Control and competence beliefs are specific for internalizing and externalizing psychopathology and can differentiate mentally healthy states from psychopathology. Contingency belief does not have a significant correlation with psychopathology. Behavioral competence belief can differentiate externalizing from internalizing group and is considered specific for externalizing psychopathology states.