Examination of social interactions by problem behaviours (13 years of longitudinal research)

Abstract

<jats:p>In this study, social interaction situations of adolescents who were identified as having either high or low problem behaviours (LPB) were investigated. Previously, the Teacher Form of Social Skill Rating System scale was applied to 110 children when they were 6 years old. Accordingly, among these participants, there were 26 adolescents who were 19-year old and were available to become participants of this study. In this study, eight adolescents were interviewed in order to investigate their social interactions based on the previous examination of problem behaviours at the highest or lowest level. Results show that the degree of problem behaviours determined at the age of six was the determinant in the current social interactions of these participants. It was observed that children who were defined with high problem behaviours experienced social breaks, insecurities and problems, whereas those with LPB showed better developed social relationships, such as being successful in coping with problems and having the feelings of trust and competence.&#x0D; Keywords: Problem behaviours, externalising, internalising, early childhood, early adulthood.</jats:p>