what is the difference between externalizing and internalizing behaviors
Externalizing and internalizing behaviors both result from negative responses to stress. Unlike internalizing behaviors, externalizing behaviors are focused outside of oneself. Whereas externalizing behaviors are easily observable by others, internalizing behaviors or not. For example, you can easily spot when a student is being physically aggressive toward another student (externalizing), but we cannot hear the negative self-talk (internalizing) that may be going through someone's head.
Answers.comÂ® is making the world better one answer at a time. Internalizing behavior is behavior that is overcontrolled or covert. It is characterized by anxiety, social withdrawal, and depression. Shy behaviors are hard to detect sometimes because they are not as obvious as externalized behaviors. Externalizing behaviors are those that are undercontrolled or overt.