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The structure and prevalence of behavioral problems in Hong Kong preschool children
S L Luk1, P W Leung, J Bacon-Shone
1Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Insights
Preschool behavior in Hong Kong Chinese children was assessed using the Preschool Behavior Checklist (PBCL). Findings indicate high behavior disorder prevalence and universal symptom patterns across cultures.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Cross-cultural Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Preschool attendance is near-universal for 3-year-olds in Hong Kong.
- Teacher perceptions of child behavior are crucial in group learning settings.
- Cross-cultural applicability of behavior assessment tools is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavior of 3-year-old Chinese children in Hong Kong preschools.
- To examine the cross-cultural validity of the Preschool Behavior Checklist (PBCL).
- To identify sex differences in preschool behavior patterns.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 851 Chinese children (36-48 months) was assessed.
- The Preschool Behavior Checklist (PBCL), a teacher-reported questionnaire, was utilized.
- Factor structure analysis was performed to compare with British norms.
Main Results:
- The PBCL's factor structure was highly similar to British findings, supporting cross-cultural use.
- A high prevalence of behavior disorder was observed, potentially linked to cultural demands.
- Boys exhibited more hyperactive, conduct, and speech problems than girls.
Conclusions:
- The PBCL is a valid tool for assessing preschool behavior cross-culturally.
- Preschool behavior disorders in Hong Kong reflect specific cultural and environmental factors.
- Symptomatology of preschool behavior disorders shows a degree of universality across cultures.
Abstract:
Nearly all 3-year-old Chinese children in Hong Kong attend preschool facilities, making it possible to study their behavior in a group learning situation based upon teachers' perception. The Preschool Behavior Checklist (PBCL), a teacher's questionnaire, was applied to a random sample of 851 Chinese children, ages 36 to 48 months. The factor structure of the PBCL was very similar to that obtained from its original British study, supporting its usage cross-culturally. Prevalence of behavior disorder was high as defined by the PBCL. This reflected specific cultural demands at school settings. Significant sex differences were also found in the overall rate of behavior disorder and symptom patterns. As in other studies, boys had more hyperactive, conduct, and speech problems. The results suggested a certain degree of universality of symptomatology for children at the preschool level.