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Maternal predictors of behavioral disturbance in preschool children: a research note
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, State University of New York, Stony Brook 11794-8790.
Insights
Maternal mental health and family stress significantly impact preschooler behavior problems. Early detection and intervention are crucial for addressing childhood behavioral disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Maternal mental health and familial stress are critical factors influencing child development.
- Understanding the interplay between these factors and child behavior is essential for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of maternal mental health and familial stress on child behavior in preschoolers.
- To identify specific maternal and familial variables predicting child behavior problems.
Main Methods:
- A community sample of 691 preschoolers was assessed.
- Child behavior problems were measured using the Behavior Screening Questionnaire (BSQ) at age 3 and the Conners Parent Rating Scale at age 4.
- Multivariate analyses examined the relationships between maternal/familial variables and child behavior.
Main Results:
- Higher BSQ scores, maternal role competition, and maternal hostility predicted the development of disturbance.
- Persistence of behavioral issues was linked to initial BSQ scores and initial maternal hostility.
- Complex interrelationships exist among maternal, familial, and childhood variables.
Conclusions:
- Maternal mental health and familial stress are significant predictors of preschooler behavior problems.
- Early identification of maternal hostility and role competition can aid in preventing persistent behavioral issues.
- The findings highlight the intricate nature of factors influencing child behavioral development.
Abstract:
The effects of maternal mental health and familial stress on child behavior were evaluated in a community sample of 691 preschoolers. Presence of behavior problems was determined using the Behavior Screening Questionnaire (BSQ) at age 3, and using the Conners Parent Rating Scale at age 4. In multivariate analyses, the development of disturbance was predicted by higher BSQ score, maternal role competition and maternal hostility assessed at both interviews; persistence was predicted by initial BSQ score and initial maternal hostility only. These results underscore the complexity of the relationships among maternal, familial and childhood variables.