Preference-for-solitude, friendship support, and internalizing difficulties during early adolescence in the U.S.A. and China

摘要: Title of Document: PREFERENCE-FOR-SOLITUDE, FRIENDSHIP SUPPORT, AND INTERNALIZING DIFFICULTIES DURING EARLY ADOLESCENCE IN THE U.S.A. CHINA Jennifer M. Wang, Doctor Philosophy, 2014 Directed by: Professor Kenneth H. Rubin Department Human Development and Quantitative Methodology Social withdrawal has been associated with adjustment difficulties across development. Although much is known about shyness, little preference-for-solitude; even less how friendship might influence its relations adolescent different cultures. In particular, despite the significance for youth adjustment, not ways in which quality lead to outcomes who prefer solitude; these Accordingly, overall goal this research was examine between preference-for-solitude, support, internalizing during early adolescence China. Specifically, examined moderating role support preference-for-solitude (negative affect, negative self-esteem) The U.S.A sample comprised 300 American (121 boys; M age = 14.28 years, SD .51) from greater Washington DC metropolitan area. China 201 living Beijing, (86 14.21 .62). Participants both samples completed selfreports social (shyness; preference-for-solitude), affect; self-esteem). Results structural equation modeling demonstrated that shyness emerged as related but unique dimensions Consistent previous research, positively affect self-esteem samples. U.S.A., significantly moderated link self-esteem: most beyond low support. This found did moderate effect on youth. China, any difficulties. Rather, Chinese youth, contributed independently effects self-esteem. summary, addition contributing developmental literature findings highlight close interpersonal relationships understanding heterogeneity development