Pre-school to School: a Behavioural Study

Abstract

Reports on a long-term study begun in 1969 with 705 randomly selected nonimmigrant newborns and their families in the UK. A behavior screening questionnaire (appended), a behavior checklist (appended), and assessments of language development were used to identify behavior problems and categorize Ss as disturbed or nondisturbed. 77.6% of Ss had no behavior problems; the remainder had problems ranging from mild (6.2%) to severe (1.1%). A more comprehensive comparision of 94 disturbed and 91 nondisturbed Ss was carried out using an intensive interview and psychological assessment. Problem Ss showed significantly more difficulty in eating and sleeping. They were more active, concentrated less well, and were more clinging and less independent. Mental distress in mothers, language delay, quality of the marital relationship, and external stresses were associated with problem Ss. Symptoms remained stable in prevalence at 3, 4, and 8 yrs of age. Males were more likely to remain disturbed than females. Ss not disturbed at age 3 yrs were most likely to become so if they had minor behavior problems, were restless, and family relations were disharmonious. Education for parenthood, enhancement of local community supports, and professional interventions are discussed. (6 p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)