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Structural Relationships Between Behavioral Problems, Sensory Processing Traits, and Sleep Among Preschoolers
Shigeki Kurasawa1, Kiyomi Tateyama2, Ryoichiro Iwanaga3
1Shigeki Kurasawa, PhD, OTR, is Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan; kurasawa@fmu.ac.jp.
Insights
Sensory sensitivity and sleep problems in preschoolers are linked to behavioral issues. This study developed a model showing how these factors, along with attention deficits and restless legs syndrome, contribute to behavioral challenges.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Occupational Therapy
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Previous research indicates a link between sensory processing difficulties and behavioral problems in children.
- Sleep disturbances in children are known to exacerbate both externalizing and internalizing behavioral issues.
- The precise relationship between sensory processing and sleep in young children remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a structural causal model (SCM) investigating the hypothesis that sensory processing difficulties and sleep problems are interconnected in preschoolers.
- To explore the potential contribution of these interconnected factors to the development of behavioral problems in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 168 children aged 3-5 years from preschools and kindergartens in Japan.
- Data collected via parent-reported questionnaires: Short Sensory Profile-Japanese version (SSP-J), Japanese Sleep Questionnaire for Preschoolers (JSQ-P), and Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 1.5-5.
- Factor analysis of SSP-J and JSQ-P to identify common factors, followed by structural equation modeling to develop the SCM.
Main Results:
- Factor analysis identified four key factors: attention deficit, sensory sensitivity, sleep problems, and restless legs syndrome symptoms.
- The developed structural equation model demonstrated acceptable fit indices (GFI = .862, RMSEA = .087).
- The model suggests a significant relationship between sensory sensitivity, sleep difficulties, and behavioral issues.
Conclusions:
- The study's model indicates that sensory sensitivity and sleep difficulties may be significant contributors to behavioral problems in preschoolers.
- Occupational therapy practitioners should consider sensory processing and sleep patterns when addressing behavioral issues in young children.
- Accurate assessment of sensory processing and sleep is crucial for effectively managing behavioral challenges in preschoolers.
Importance:
An association between sensory processing difficulties and behavioral problems among children has been reported in previous studies. Sleep problems among children can lead to both externalizing and internalizing behavioral problems. However, the relationships between sensory processing and sleep among children are not well understood.
Objective:
To develop a structural causal model (SCM) predicated on the hypothesis that sensory processing difficulties and sleep problems are closely related among preschoolers and may contribute to behavioral issues.
Design:
Cross-sectional study.
Participants:
A total of 168 children ages 3-5 yr who were enrolled in a preschool or an accredited kindergarten (four facilities in total) in a Japanese prefecture participated in the analysis.
Outcomes And Measures:
After gaining the cooperation of educators, we distributed the following items to the children's parents: an informed consent form, the Short Sensory Profile-Japanese version (SSP-J), the Japanese Sleep Questionnaire for Preschoolers (JSQ-P), and the Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 1.5-5. Through factor analysis of the SSP-J and the JSQ-P, we identified common factors. We developed an SCM using structural equation modeling.
Results:
Four factors were identified by factor analysis: attention deficit, sensory sensitivity, sleep problems, and restless legs syndrome symptoms. The final structural equation modeling analysis had an acceptable goodness of fit (goodness-of-fit index = .862; root-mean-square error of approximation = .087).
Conclusions And Relevance:
The model suggests that sensory sensitivity and sleep difficulties may contribute to behavioral issues among preschoolers. Plain-Language Summary: The results of this study suggest that relationships exist between behavioral problems, sensory processing, and sleep among preschoolers. The authors developed a model that identified four common factors that contribute to behavioral issues among preschoolers: attention deficit, sensory sensitivity, sleep problems, and restless legs syndrome symptoms. Children's behavioral problems are an important consideration for occupational therapy practitioners working with preschoolers. Sensory processing and sleep must be accurately evaluated to address preschoolers' behavioral issues.
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