The accumulation of problems of social functioning as a long-term process:: Women and men compared

Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the developmental processes involved in the accumulation of problems of social functioning from age 8 to age 36 in men (n = 152) and women (n = 145). The accumulation of risk factors in childhood and adolescence, including low control of emotions (aggressiveness and anxiety), school problems (poor adjustment, success, and motivation), and problems in the family (parental drinking and low socioeconomic status), predicted career instability, early timing of parenthood, and a sense of failure at age 27 in both sexes. Similarly, the accumulation of problems of social functioning (e. g. poor financial standing, poor intimate relationships, and drinking problems) tended to continue from age 27 to 36, and be reciprocally associated with career instability at a corresponding age in both men and women. Risk factors in childhood and adolescence directly explained the accumulation of problems of social functioning at age 27 only in men. For women, the relationship was indirect: A sense of failure and the early timing of motherhood mediated risk factors to problems of social functioning at age 36.