Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 24, 2026

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Activity in Toddlers - Resting and Developmental Challenges
08:22

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Activity in Toddlers - Resting and Developmental Challenges

Published on: February 25, 2016

Pre-school children with and without developmental delay: behaviour problems and parenting stress over time

B L Baker1, L L McIntyre, J Blacher

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. baker@psych.ucla.edu

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research : JIDR
|June 6, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Children with developmental delays show persistent behavior problems. Parenting stress exacerbates these issues, creating a cycle impacting child behavior and parental well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Children with intellectual disabilities face increased risks for behavioral issues and mental health disorders.
  • Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing developmental delays and associated behavioral challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the early manifestation and continuity of problem behaviors in preschool children.
  • To compare behavior problems in children with and without developmental delays.
  • To examine the relationship between parenting stress and child behavior problems.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 205 preschool children (aged 36-48 months) with and without developmental delays.
  • Behavioral assessments conducted by parents (mothers and fathers).
  • Measurement of parenting stress levels.

Main Results:

  • Behavior problems remained stable from 36 to 48 months of age.
  • Children with developmental delays exhibited significantly higher rates of behavior problems, with three times the likelihood of clinical range scores.
  • Parental agreement on child behavior ratings was high, particularly in the delayed group. Parenting stress was elevated in the delayed group but correlated with behavior problem severity, not delay itself.

Conclusions:

  • A transactional model explains the interplay between parenting stress and child behavior problems.
  • Elevated parenting stress can worsen child behavior over time, and conversely, significant child behavior problems can increase parental stress.
  • These reciprocal influences were observed similarly in mothers and fathers.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents06:15

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents

Published on: July 10, 2017

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients05:48

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients

Published on: June 12, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Information Processing Approach01:30

Information Processing Approach

The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is also...
Socioemotional Development during Infancy01:30

Socioemotional Development during Infancy

Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Parenting Styles01:27

Parenting Styles

Diana Baumrind's four parenting styles — authoritarian, authoritative, neglectful, and permissive — each influence children's socio-emotional development differently.
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative Parenting
This...
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...