Prevalence of behavioral inhibition among preschool aged children in Tehran, Iran
Alipasha Meysamie1, Reza Ghalehtaki2, Amin Borjian3
1Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran meysamie@tums.ac.ir.
Insights
Behavioral inhibition in preschool children is common, affecting over 7% of those studied. Factors like being a girl, firstborn, or from a single-parent family are linked to higher inhibition levels.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Behavioral inhibition in childhood is a known risk factor for anxiety disorders later in life.
- Understanding early predictors of behavioral inhibition is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between behavioral inhibition and internal/external factors in preschool children.
- To identify predictors of behavioral inhibition in a sample of Iranian preschoolers.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study conducted in 2009 involving 1403 preschool children.
- Data collected via structured questionnaires completed by parents and teachers.
- Complex sample analysis used for data evaluation.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of behavioral inhibition was 7.4% (parents) and 8.1% (teachers).
- Higher levels observed in girls, firstborns, children from single-parent families, and older children.
- Independent predictors included birth year, birth rank, single-parent family status, and maternal education.
Conclusions:
- A significant prevalence of behavioral inhibition exists among Iranian preschool children.
- Further psychiatric evaluation and targeted support for inhibited children are recommended.
- Parent and teacher education programs are advised to manage behavioral inhibition effectively.
Abstract:
One of the identified risk factors for anxiety disorders in adolescence and adulthood is inhibited behaviors in childhood. The present study sought to examine the relationship between behavioral inhibition with some of the internal (personal) and external (family environment) factors in a sample of preschool children in kindergartens. In a cross sectional study in 2009, data was collected trough a structured questionnaire completed by parents and teachers in day-care centers. A total of 1403 children were assessed. Analysis was performed through complex sample analysis. The results showed that 7.4% (CI95%= 6.1%-9.1%) of children according to parents' and 8.1% (CI95%= 6%- 10.7%) according to teachers' evaluation classified as behaviorally inhibited. The higher levels of behavioral inhibition were shown by girls, first children, single parent families and older children. Birth year before 2004, birth rank, living in a single parent family and maternal level of education were independent predictors for behavioral inhibition in logistic regression modeling. There is relatively high prevalence of inhibited behaviors among Iranian children. Further examination of diagnosed children with behavioral inhibition by experienced psychiatrists is needed. Also establishing consultation centers for behaviorally inhibited children and instructing their parents and teachers are recommended.
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