<p>The present study aimed to identify the psychological and dispositional correlates of internalizing, externalizing, and co-occurring problem behaviours in children to aid early identification and intervention.&#xa0;Using an ex-post facto cross-sectional design in a hospital setting, 60 participants aged 11–17 were grouped into internalizing, externalizing, and co-occurring categories (<i>N</i> = 20 each). Tools: Screening tools included the Developmental Psychopathology Checklist, Child Behaviour Checklist, Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices, and Psychological and dispositional correlate assessments included, Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale, Bell Adjustment Inventory, and Thomas and Chess’s Temperament Characteristics.&#xa0;Findings revealed significantly higher emotional intelligence in the internalizing group compared to the externalizing and co-occurring groups. Adjustment differences were observed across all domains except home adjustment. Temperament patterns varied, with the internalizing group predominantly slow-to-warm-up, the externalizing group showing mostly difficult temperaments, and the co-occurring group displaying a balanced mix. Significant associations were found between temperament and behavioural categories, suggesting a strong bio-psychological influence on child psychopathology.&#xa0;The study identifies emotional intelligence and temperament as key factors distinguishing internalizing, externalizing, and co-occurring behaviours in children, emphasizing their role in developmental psychopathology. Implications: Early assessment of temperament and emotional intelligence can aid in identifying at-risk children and tailoring interventions, supporting more effective and targeted mental health strategies.</p>