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Childhood fears, neurobehavioral functioning and behavior problems in school-age children
1The Adler Center for Research in Child Development and Psychopathology, Department of Psychology, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Israel. yonikushnir@gmail.com
Child Psychiatry and Human Development
|July 29, 2009
Summary
Childhood fears are linked to neurobehavioral functioning (NBF) issues like lower working memory and motor speed in school children. Girls and older children reported more fears, suggesting NBF impacts anxiety development.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Childhood fears and behavioral problems are common in school-aged children.
- Understanding the link between fears, behavior, and neurobehavioral functioning (NBF) is crucial for early intervention.
- Previous research suggests potential connections, but specific NBF correlates require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between childhood fears, behavioral problems, and neurobehavioral functioning (NBF) in a sample of healthy school-aged children.
- To identify specific NBF measures correlated with fear levels and somatic complaints.
- To explore demographic differences (age, gender) in fear reporting.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 135 healthy school children from second, fourth, and sixth grades.
- Utilized the Revised Fear Survey Schedule for Children and the Child Behavior Checklist for fear and behavior data.
- Employed a computerized neurobehavioral evaluation system to assess NBF.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations were found between childhood fears and NBF measures, including lower working memory span (r = 0.24) and reduced motor speed (r = -0.23).
- Higher fear levels were associated with more somatic complaints (r = 0.20).
- Younger children reported fewer fears than older children, and girls reported more fears than boys.
Conclusions:
- Childhood fears are significantly associated with neurobehavioral functioning (NBF) and behavioral problems in non-clinical school-aged children.
- Lower working memory span, a key executive function, may underlie childhood fears and anxiety.
- These findings underscore the importance of considering NBF in the context of childhood anxiety and fear development.
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