The Effects of Preschoolers’ Oppositional Defiant Behavior Problem Trajectory on Parental Stress and on the Preschoolers’ Self-control

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the preschoolers' oppositional defiant behavior problem trajectory on parental stress and on the preschoolers' self-control. Methods: We used data from the 5th to 7th waves of the Panel Study on Korean Children(PSKC), and analyzed 1,703 4-year-old children, 1,662 5-year-old children, and 6-year-old 1,620 children, utilizing latent growth curve modeling. Results and Conclusion: The results of this study were as follows. First, there were individual differences in the children's oppositional defiant behavior problems at age 4, and those behavioral problems tended to decrease overall as age increased. Second, the intercept of the children's oppositional defiant behavior problems at age 4 had a negative effect on parental stress and on preschoolers' self-control when they were 6 years old. In addition, the slope of the oppositional defiant behavior problem also had a significant effect on the increase of parental stress and on the decrease of the self-control. Based on these results, early diagnosis of oppositional defiant behavior problem is more important than any other factor. This study also suggests that immediate intervention and treatment are needed for preschoolers with oppositional defiant behavior problems, as well as their parents. In addition, plans should be implemented to raise preschoolers' self-control.