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The Association Between Persistence and Change in Early Childhood Behavioural Problems and Preschool Cognitive

Stephanie D'Souza1,2,3, Lisa Underwood4,5, Elizabeth R Peterson6,4

  • 1School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. s.dsouza@auckland.ac.nz.

Child Psychiatry and Human Development
|January 8, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Persistent behavioral issues in preschoolers are linked to cognitive delays. This study highlights the increased risk of language, literacy, and executive function problems in children with ongoing behavioral difficulties.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • The relationship between behavioral and cognitive challenges is recognized.
  • Limited research exists on how persistent or changing behavioral difficulties impact cognitive development in early childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between persistent and changing behavioral problems from ages 2 to 4.5 years and cognitive outcomes at 4.5 years.
  • To investigate the risk of cognitive delays in children with varying trajectories of behavioral difficulties.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from a large New Zealand birth cohort (n=5885).
  • Categorized children based on the Strengths and Difficulties total problems score at ages 2 and 4.5 years into groups: no difficulties, improved behavior, concurrent difficulties, and persistent difficulties.
  • Assessed cognitive outcomes including receptive language, early literacy, and executive control at 4.5 years.

Main Results:

  • Children with concurrent and persistent behavioral difficulties showed a higher risk of delays in specific cognitive domains compared to those with no difficulties.
  • These children were also more likely to experience comorbid delays across multiple cognitive domains.
  • Behavioral trajectories significantly predicted cognitive outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Persistent and concurrent behavioral difficulties during the preschool years are significant risk factors for cognitive delays.
  • Early identification and intervention for behavioral problems may be crucial for mitigating risks of cognitive impairment.
  • Understanding these links is vital for comprehensive child development support.

Keywords:
BehaviourCognitionCohortExecutive controlLanguageLongitudinal

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