Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 31, 2026
19:15
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Mood quality and intensity in nursery school children as predictors of behavior disorder
The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
|January 1, 1980
Insights
Preschool children
Area of Science:
- Child psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Clinical psychology
Background:
- Temperamental attributes are crucial in understanding child development.
- Early identification of emotional distress can inform timely interventions.
- Preschool years are a critical period for observing behavioral patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mood quality and response intensity as temperamental indicators in preschool children.
- To determine if these attributes can predict the need for clinical referrals.
- To identify early markers for potential psychological disorders in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- Utilized interviews with nursery school children to assess mood.
- Employed direct observations to evaluate intensity of response.
- Tracked children for subsequent clinical referrals over a five-year period.
Main Results:
- Specific mood and response intensity ratings were associated with emotional distress.
- These temperamental attributes effectively identified children needing clinical referrals.
- A significant correlation was found between negative mood/high intensity and later clinical diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- Negative mood quality and high intensity of response in preschool children are significant predictors of emotional distress.
- These temperamental traits serve as valuable indicators for identifying at-risk children.
- Early assessment of these attributes can facilitate timely intervention for psychological disorders.
Abstract:
Ratings of mood quality and intensity of response, as temperamental attributes of preschool children, were derived from interviews with nursery school children and from direct observations. Findings based on these two attributes signaled emotional distress and identified those children who required referral for clinical disorders within the subsequent five-year period. This study suggests that negative mood and high intensity ratings may be effective indicators of children at risk.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:04Bullying
A modern form of aggression is bullying. As you learn in your study of child development, socializing and playing with other children is beneficial for children’s psychological development. However, as you may have experienced as a child, not all play behavior has positive outcomes. Some children are aggressive and want to play roughly. Other children are selfish and do not want to share toys. One form of negative social interactions among children that has become a national concern is bullying.
01:30Socioemotional 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
Stella Chess...
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
01:19Autism 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.
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.
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:30Oppositional 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...
Diagnostic Criteria and...
01:28Conduct 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;...