Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Use of a Video Scoring Anchor for Rapid Serial Assessment of Social Communication in Toddlers
09:16

Use of a Video Scoring Anchor for Rapid Serial Assessment of Social Communication in Toddlers

Published on: March 14, 2018

Social risk factors as predictors for parental report of deviant behaviour in 3-year-old children

Else Bonde1, Carsten Obel, Niels Jørgen Nedergård

  • 1University Hospital of Aarhur, Haral Selmersvej, Risskov, Denmark. pht@buh.aaa.dk

Nordic Journal of Psychiatry
|February 27, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Male gender and family employment difficulties are linked to childhood behavioral issues. Maternal age over 35 and divorce also correlate with hostile-aggressive behavior in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Social Epidemiology

Background:

  • Parental descriptions of child behavior are influenced by various factors.
  • Understanding these influences is crucial for early intervention and support.
  • Previous research has identified perinatal factors, but the role of social risk factors requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between social risk factors, gender, and perinatal factors with parental descriptions of deviant behavior in 3.5-year-old children.
  • To identify specific social risk factors associated with hyperactive-distractible, hostile-aggressive, and anxious-fearful behaviors.
  • To determine the relative importance of social versus perinatal factors in predicting behavioral difficulties.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study involving 1345 mothers enrolled during early pregnancy.
  • Parental questionnaires were used to assess children's behavioral difficulties using a modified Behar scale.
  • Behavioral categories included 'hyperactive-distractible', 'hostile-aggressive', and 'anxious-fearful'.

Main Results:

  • Male gender was associated with all types of deviant behavior.
  • Family member employment difficulties most strongly predicted 'hyperactive-distractible' behavior.
  • Familial stress, divorce, and maternal age over 35 were linked to 'hostile-aggressive' behavior, with male gender being the strongest predictor.
  • Social disadvantage was not significantly related to 'anxious-fearful' behavior.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood behavioral issues in preschool years are influenced by a combination of gender and specific social risk factors.
  • Identifying parental stress, employment difficulties, and family structure changes can aid in understanding and addressing behavioral challenges.
  • Further research should explore the complex interplay between social determinants and child development outcomes.

More Related Videos

An Experimental Analysis of Children's Ability to Provide a False Report about a Crime07:36

An Experimental Analysis of Children's Ability to Provide a False Report about a Crime

Published on: May 3, 2016

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure07:56

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure

Published on: September 19, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
Antisocial Personality Disorder01:24

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Antisocial personality disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by persistent patterns of disregard for the rights and well-being of others. Individuals with antisocial personality disorder exhibit behaviors that include deceitfulness, impulsivity, irresponsibility, aggression, and a profound lack of empathy. These traits often manifest early in life and persist into adulthood, leading to significant personal, social, and legal consequences.
Behavioral Characteristics and...
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...
Bullying02:04

Bullying

A modern form of aggression is bullying. As you learn in your study of child development, socializing and playing with other children is beneficial for children’s psychological development. However, as you may have experienced as a child, not all play behavior has positive outcomes. Some children are aggressive and want to play roughly. Other children are selfish and do not want to share toys. One form of negative social interactions among children that has become a national concern is bullying.
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings01:29

Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings

Other adult family members and siblings play a crucial role in shaping children’s social and emotional development. While parents or primary caregivers are often the central figures in early attachment and socialization, other adults in a child’s life, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles, can significantly influence developmental outcomes. These influences depend on each adult’s personality and may help compensate when a primary caregiver is emotionally distant or inconsistent. For...