Two students visit the campus health center. Student A describes feeling constantly fearful and anxious. Student B describes feeling persistently agitated and often exhibiting violent outbursts. Student A's symptoms are consistent with an - disorder, which is more common in ; student B's symptoms are consistent with an - disorder, which is more common in. a. externalizing, females; internalizing, males b. externalizing, males; internalizing, females C. internalizing, females; externalizing, males d. internalizing, males; externalizing, females

Internalizing disorders are psychological conditions where a person experiences high levels of internal stress and discomfort.
These are not easily visible on the outside, but they significantly affect a person's emotional and psychological state.
The person might feel chronic sadness, anxiety, or excessive worry. Common examples of internalizing disorders include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

People with internalizing disorders often have trouble expressing their feelings and might prefer to isolate themselves. They internalize their problems, meaning they keep their emotions inside rather than expressing them outwardly.
For instance, in the given problem, Student A, who feels constantly anxious and fearful, exhibits characteristics of an internalizing disorder.
These disorders are more frequently diagnosed in females, as societal and biological factors may lead women to internalize their distress more commonly than men.

Externalizing disorders are characterized by outward-directed behaviors.
This means people with these disorders often show problematic behaviors openly, such as aggression, impulsivity, or defiance.
Individuals with externalizing disorders might have difficulty controlling their behaviors and emotions, sometimes leading to conflicts with others. Common examples of externalizing disorders include:

• Conduct disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Student B, who is often agitated and exhibits violent outbursts, shows symptoms consistent with an externalizing disorder.
Unlike internalizing disorders, externalizing disorders are more frequently diagnosed in males. This can be due to various socio-cultural, biological, and environmental factors that might lead boys to express their distress and frustrations outwardly.

The prevalence of psychological disorders can vary significantly between genders due to a combination of biological, social, and cultural factors.
Internalizing disorders such as anxiety and depression are more commonly diagnosed in females.
This can be attributed to differences in emotional processing, hormonal influences, and societal expectations that sometimes encourage women to be more open about their feelings yet internalize their pain more than men.
Externalizing disorders, on the other hand, are more prevalent in males.
This might be because boys are often socialized to be more assertive or aggressive, leading them to express their distress outwardly.
Furthermore, hyperactivity and behavioral issues are more frequently observed in boys, possibly due to biological factors such as differences in brain structures or functions.
Understanding the gender prevalence of these disorders helps in better diagnosing and treating individuals, ensuring that both men and women receive appropriate care tailored to their specific psychological needs.