Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Examining Recall Memory in Infancy and Early Childhood Using the Elicited Imitation Paradigm
Published on: April 28, 2016
Moebius sequence: behaviour problems of preschool children and parental stress
W Briegel1, C Hofmann, K O Schwab
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Leopoldina Hospital, Schweinfurt, Germany. wbriegel@leopoldina.de
Insights
Preschool children with Moebius sequence show few clinical behavior problems. However, their caregivers experience increased stress, highlighting the need for early support for families coping with Moebius sequence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Child Neurology
Background:
- Moebius sequence is a rare congenital disorder affecting cranial nerves.
- Understanding the behavioral and psychosocial impact on affected children and their families is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate behavior problems in preschool children diagnosed with Moebius sequence.
- To assess the stress levels experienced by primary caregivers of these children.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to parents of preschool children with Moebius sequence through the German Moebius foundation.
- The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) 1.5-5 was utilized to assess behavior problems.
- Caregiver stress was evaluated using validated questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Data from 13 children (7 males, 6 females; mean age 3 years, 10 months) were analyzed.
- Two children scored in the clinical range on the CBCL 1.5-5.
- Boys exhibited higher scores for aggressive behavior and total problems compared to girls.
- Primary caregivers reported higher stress levels than the general population, but comparable to parents of other handicapped children.
Conclusions:
- Preschool children with Moebius sequence do not present significantly elevated rates of clinical behavioral issues.
- Primary caregivers of children with Moebius sequence experience heightened stress.
- Early and appropriate support systems are essential for these families.
Abstract:
This study investigates behaviour problems of preschool children with Moebius sequence, and their primary caregivers' stress. To this end, parents of all preschool children with Moebius sequence known to the German Moebius foundation were anonymously asked to fill out questionnaires, e.g. the Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL] 1.5-5. The primary caregivers of 13/22 children (seven males, six females; mean age: 3;10 [2;1-5;11] years) sent back filled-out questionnaires. Two children were rated as clinical on the CBCL-1.5-5. Boys had significantly higher scores on the scales aggressive behavior and total problems than girls. Compared to the general population, but not to other parents of mentally and / or physically handicapped children, the primary caregivers experienced higher levels of stress. In conclusion, preschool children with Moebius sequence do not show essentially increased rates of clinical behaviour problems. Nevertheless, their primary caregivers experience increased stress and need early and adequate support.
Related Concept Videos
Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development
Exploration...
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Anal
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Information Processing Approach

