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Specific language impairments and behavioural problems.
F W Coster1, S M Goorhuis-Brouwer, H Nakken
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands. F.Coster@kno.azg.nl
Summary
Children with specific language impairment (SLI) often exhibit behavioral issues, particularly internalizing behaviors. This study found nearly half of SLI children experienced problems at home or school, unlike externalizing behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Linguistics
Background:
- Specific Language Impairment (SLI) affects language development in children.
- Behavioral functioning in children with SLI is an area requiring further investigation.
- Understanding behavioral patterns associated with SLI is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the behavioral functioning of children diagnosed with Specific Language Impairment (SLI).
- To compare the behavioral profiles of children with SLI to a norm group.
- To identify specific behavioral challenges, if any, prevalent in children with SLI.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) questionnaire.
- Collected data from parents and teachers of 56 children with SLI.
- Included children aged 8, 10, and 12 years in the study sample.
Main Results:
- 48% of children with SLI exhibited behavioral problems at home or school.
- Significant differences were observed in internalizing and total behavior scores compared to the norm group.
- No significant increase in externalizing behaviors was found in children with SLI versus the norm group.
Conclusions:
- Children with SLI are at a higher risk for behavioral problems, especially internalizing types.
- The lack of increased externalizing behavior suggests aggression may not be characteristic of SLI.
- Further research is warranted to explore the unique behavioral profile of children with SLI.