Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
[Relationship between phonological awareness and behavioral problems in preschool children]
Linda P Fröhlich1, Ute Koglin, Franz Petermann
1Zentrum für Klinische Psychologie und Rehabilitation, Universität Bremen, Grazer Strasse 6, DE - 28359 Bremen. lpf@uni-bremen.de
Insights
Preschoolers with poor phonological awareness exhibit more behavioral issues, including emotional and hyperactivity problems. This early link between phonological skills and behavior suggests a need for integrated support.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Child Psychiatry
Context:
- Phonological awareness is crucial for early literacy development.
- Comorbid disorders negatively impact children's development.
- The interplay between behavioral problems and phonological awareness is under-researched.
Purpose:
- To investigate if preschool children with phonological awareness difficulties exhibit behavioral problems.
- To assess the relationship between phonological awareness levels and behavioral strengths/difficulties in young children.
Summary:
- Preschoolers (N=188) were assessed for phonological awareness and behavioral issues using interviews and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).
- Results revealed that children with lower phonological awareness demonstrated more emotional problems, hyperactivity, and peer difficulties.
- No significant gender differences were observed in the study findings.
Impact:
- Findings highlight that behavioral problems are present in preschoolers with low phonological awareness.
- This early association mirrors patterns seen in school-aged children with reading/writing difficulties and behavioral challenges.
- Emphasizes the importance of early identification and intervention for both literacy and behavioral development.
Objective:
Phonological awareness is a key precursor of reading and writing skills in preschool children. Many children with reading and spelling problems have comorbid disorders that have a negative impact on their development. Research to date has rarely focused on the interaction between behavioral problems and phonological awareness.
Method:
The study investigates whether preschool children with difficulties in phonological awareness already show behavioral problems. Children (N = 188) were interviewed to assess their level of phonological awareness and teachers used the SDQ to rate their behavioral strengths and difficulties.
Results:
Children with low levels of phonological awareness have more emotional problems, are more hyperactive, and have more problems with peers than children with higher levels of phonological awareness. No gender differences were found.
Conclusions:
The results indicate that already at preschool age children with low levels of phonological awareness show more behavioral problems than children with higher levels of phonological awareness. The results are comparable to those of school children who have writing and reading difficulties and behavioral problems.
Related Concept Videos
Language Development
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Behavior Modification
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
Conduct Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...
