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Continuities of common behaviour problems in preschool children
Summary
Behavioral issues like night waking, feeding problems, and temper tantrums are common in London preschoolers. Many of these childhood behavior problems persist over time, highlighting the need for early intervention services.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Behavioral problems are prevalent in preschool children.
- Understanding the continuity of these problems is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of behavior problems in London preschool children.
- To examine the continuity of common behavioral issues over time.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of two preschool populations in London.
- Data collection on common behavioral problems including night waking, feeding issues, and temper tantrums.
Main Results:
- Night waking was most common under age 2 (21% of 1-year-olds), with over half persisting to age 2.
- Feeding problems showed stronger continuity after age 2, with poor appetite being more persistent than food fads.
- Temper tantrums were the most common problem after age 2, with 45% of 2-year-olds with frequent tantrums still experiencing them at age 3.
Conclusions:
- Significant continuity exists for common childhood behavioral problems.
- Early identification and intervention services are necessary for persistent behavioral issues.
- Further intervention studies are warranted to address these developmental challenges.