I read "internalizing" vs "externalizing" as where one places responsibility. So, if you take responsibility for your feelings, thoughts, and actions, you lean left. But, if you deny responsibility, then you lean right.

When looking at specific political leanings, the two types of mental health problems diverged. Participants who had elevated internalizing problems in adolescence tended to develop a more left-wing political profile by midlife, regardless of whether their symptoms later increased or decreased. They were less likely to vote for mainstream center-right parties. Those whose internalizing symptoms decreased over time were especially likely to vote for far-left political parties.

The researchers proposed that people dealing with depression and anxiety might be drawn to egalitarian political platforms. Left-leaning ideologies often focus on systemic inequalities, which might resonate with individuals seeking political environments that prioritize social inclusion and community support.

On the other hand, individuals with persistently high externalizing problems demonstrated a more right-wing political profile. This group was more likely to oppose social equality and express support for conservative policies. They also reported higher levels of perceived threat from immigrants.

Anyway, that tracks what I've seen. However, how does fear play into this? Because, more fearful people lean right.

This says that anxiety is uneasiness about potential danger, whereas fear is a reaction to a present, actual threat.: https://www.verywellmind.com/fear-and-anxiety-differences-and-similarities-2584399

I suppose that's why right-wing media highlights and exaggerates examples of "real" crime by brown people (while ignoring the same crimes committed by whites, of course.) They're giving their viewers "concrete" evidence to confirm their anxieties to stoke fear.

So, what's most important here is the way ones surroundings/environment/social connections frame the sources of anxiety in the teen years. If teens are exposed to right-wing views from any source, then they'll lean right in later years, regardless of future inputs.

This is one reason, I think, social media platforms don't want to give up teen engagement. It's not so much about losing the ad revenue, it's losing the influence in the early years.