Prediction of preschool behavioral problems in healthy and pediatric samples.
In a prospective study of 137 children (47 with cystic fibrosis, 48 with congenital heart disease, 42 with no chronic illness), four domains were examined as predictors of parent-reported behavioral problems, particularly internalizing problems, at 4 years of age: child health, child temperament, parent-child relationships, and family environment. Family environment, as measured by the Parenting Stress Index at 1,2, and 3 years, was the most powerful predictor. This suggests that this index is useful as an early screen for children at risk for behavioral problems and that a reduction of parenting stress is an appropriate target of preventive interventions.
Goldberg
S
S
Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. sueg@sickkids.on.ca
Janus
M
M
Washington
J
J
Simmons
R J
RJ
MacLusky
I
I
Fowler
R S
RS
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006304:Health Status; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013694:Temperament