Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 18, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

27.7K

Association between short stature and behavioral and emotional difficulties among children in Jordan: a

Tamara Kufoof1, Randa K Saad2, Redab Al-Ghawanmeh1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan.

Frontiers in Endocrinology
|September 10, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Short stature in Jordanian children is linked to significant behavioral and emotional issues, especially in boys. Growth hormone therapy did not show improved scores in this study sample.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric endocrinology
  • Child psychology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Short stature is recognized to cause psychological and emotional distress.
  • The impact on behavioral well-being in Jordanian children is under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between short stature and behavioral/emotional difficulties in Jordanian children.
  • To analyze differences in difficulties based on gender, age, and growth hormone (GH) therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study at Prince Hamza Hospital, Amman (2023-2024).
  • Recruited 83 children (4-14 years) with height percentile ≤3%.
  • Utilized the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for assessment.

Main Results:

  • 30.1% of children scored in the "high" or "very high" difficulty range.
  • Boys showed significantly higher conduct problems and hyperactivity.
  • Children on GH therapy reported more emotional problems.

Conclusions:

  • Short stature is associated with notable behavioral and emotional challenges in Jordanian children, particularly boys.
  • GH therapy did not correlate with improved SDQ scores in this cohort.
  • A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to address stigma and enhance well-being.
Abstract

Keywords:
JordanStrengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)behavioral difficultiesemotional difficultiesshort stature

More Related Videos

Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood08:09

Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood

Published on: February 11, 2017

12.1K
Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children07:01

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children

Published on: March 1, 2019

8.4K

Related Concept Videos

Nature and Nurture01:10

Nature and Nurture

Many human characteristics, like height, are shaped by both nature—in other words, by our genes—and by nurture, or our environment. For example, chronic stress during childhood inhibits the production of growth hormones and consequently reduces bone growth and height. Scientists estimate that 70-90% of variation in height is due to genetic differences among individuals, and 10-30% of variation in height is due to differences in the environments that individuals experience,...
22.2K
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development01:30

Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development

Social-emotional experiences and cultural influences play significant roles in shaping gender development. During middle childhood, from ages 6 to 11, peer groups become dominant in reinforcing gender norms. Children in this age group often align with same-gender peer groups, which actively encourage behaviors that conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, boys may be discouraged from engaging in activities perceived as feminine, reinforcing culturally dictated norms about masculinity...
268
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
491
Socioemotional Development during Infancy01:30

Socioemotional Development during Infancy

Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
433
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
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.
994
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
648