Are Reading and Behavior Problems Risk Factors for Each Other?

Abstract

We investigated two questions. First, are children with reading problems in first grade more likely to experience behavior problems in third grade? Second, are children with behavior problems in first grade more likely to experience reading problems in third grade? We explored both questions by using multi-level logistic regression modeling to analyze data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Kindergarten Class (ECLS-K). After statistically controlling for a wide-range of potential confounds, we found that children with reading problems in first grade were significantly more likely to display poor task engagement, poor self-control, externalizing behavior problems, and internalizing behavior problems in third grade. We did not observe a statistically significant effect for interpersonal skills. We also found that children displaying poor task engagement in first grade were more likely to experience reading problems in third grade. We did not observe such an effect for self-control, interpersonal, externalizing behavior problems, or internalizing behavior problems in first grade. Collectively, these findings suggest that the most effective types of interventions are likely to be those that target problems with reading and task-focused behaviors simultaneously.

Behavioural Difficulties That Co‐occur With Specific Word Reading Difficulties: A UK Population‐ Based Cohort Study

“…Two more recent US studies have emphasized the phenomena of co‐occurrence. Morgan, Farkas, Tufis, and Sperling (2008) found that US children with reading problems at age 7 years were more likely to display poor task engagement, poor self‐control, externalizing and internalizing behaviour problems 2 years later. More recently, Dahle and colleagues (2010) examined behavioural problems in children with severe dyslexia.…”

Third grade and concurrent predictors of engagement and achievement in reading in eighth grade

“…Prior investigations have found a relation between internalizing behavior problems and reading achievement (Ackerman et al, 2007;Morgan et al, 2008). It may be the case that the heterogeneity of individuals with internalizing behavior problems contributed to the weak relation between internalizing and reading in the current investigation.…”

“…Individuals with reading deficits have been found to exhibit more internalizing (Ackerman, Izard, Kobak, Brown, & Smith, 2007;Morgan, Farkas, Tufis, & Sperling, 2008;Undheim, Wichstrøm, & Sund, 2011;Willcutt & Pennington, 2000) and externalizing behavior problems (Undheim et al, 2011;Willcutt & Pennington, 2000) than children with typical reading achievement. Assessment of the contribution of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems to reading achievement could have implications for classroom instruction and identification of children who may be at risk for difficulty with reading.…”

Children’s social behaviour, language and literacy in early years

“…School-related problem behaviours such as inattentiveness or hyperactivity have been found to influence school readiness (eg, Tomblin et al, 2000;Hinshaw, 1992) and literacy (Morgan et al, 2008;Miles and Stipek, 2006). Miles and Stipek investigated longitudinal associations between social behaviour and literacy in young children at school entry.…”

“…The first is based on the notion that language or literacy difficulties (due to factors such as phonological difficulties or poverty) might trigger frustration, avoidance and withdrawal from language and literacy tasks (eg, Morgan et al, 2008;Miles and Stipek, 2006).This process may take time in that considering the emerging normative comparisons, as children grow older they become increasingly more aware of their abilities and performances in comparison to their peers, possibly, experiencing negative emotions that may set the stage for increased difficulties with social behaviour. The second explanation refers to behavioural difficulties (eg, hyperactivity, inattention) contributing to language, reading and writing difficulties.…”