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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.
Summary
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.
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