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Clinical significance and correlates of disruptive behavior in environmentally at-risk preschoolers

L S Wakschlag1, K Keenan

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, MC3077, 5841 South Maryland, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. laurie@yoda.bsd.uchicago.edu

Journal of Clinical Child Psychology
|June 8, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Disruptive behavior disorder symptoms in preschoolers are linked to early life risks and parenting challenges. Early intervention is crucial for addressing these behaviors in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Psychiatry
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Disruptive behavior disorder symptoms (DBDSX) are prevalent in preschoolers.
  • Understanding the clinical significance and correlates of DBDSX in this age group is essential for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the clinical significance and correlates of disruptive behavior disorder symptoms (DBDSX) in preschoolers.
  • To identify early risk factors and parenting influences associated with DBDSX.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 129 predominantly minority preschoolers (ages 2.5–5.5) from low-income environments.
  • Half of the participants were clinic-referred due to disruptive behaviors.
  • Data collection included assessments of DBDSX, prenatal and infancy risks, and concurrent parenting factors.

Main Results:

  • Higher levels of DBDSX correlated with greater impairment in parent-child, preschool, and clinic settings.
  • Prenatal and infancy risks (e.g., cigarette exposure, infant low soothability) and parenting factors (e.g., harshness, low responsiveness, parenting stress) were associated with DBDSX.
  • The clinical and risk profile of DBDSX in at-risk preschoolers resembles that of older children.

Conclusions:

  • DBDSX in preschoolers is associated with significant impairment and a range of early life and parenting risk factors.
  • The findings suggest that the etiology and prevention of disruptive behavior disorders should commence in early childhood.
  • Early identification and intervention for DBDSX are critical for mitigating long-term negative outcomes.

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