The evolution of problem and social competence behaviors during toddlerhood: A prospective population‐based cohort survey

Abstract

Research in developmental psychopathology has long been preoccupied with rather broad categories of behavior, but we know little about the specific behaviors that comprise these categories. The objective of this study was to: (a) estimate the prevalence of problem and social competence behaviors in the general population of children at 17 months of age, and (b) describe the continuity and discontinuity in the degree to which children exhibit these behaviors between 17 and 29 months of age. The results show that frequent problem behaviors are not typical of children under two years of age. Further, the results suggest that it is possible to distinguish between different types of problem behaviors before two years of age. In addition, the results show that gender differences in some problem behaviors are already present before two years of age, and increase in magnitude during toddlerhood. Finally, the results show that interindividual differences in problem behaviors observed before two years of age are stable. The predictive accuracy of frequent problem behaviors in children at 17 months of age was limited, however, with often a majority of toddlers not behaving this way a year later. Overall, our results suggest that toddlerhood represents a critical period when behavioral and emotional problems of potentially clinical significance emerge. Pediatricians should routinely ask parents to report the frequency of their young children's problem behaviors during child health supervision visits so that children whose frequent problem behaviors persist over time can be identified and possibly referred for treatment.

Incidence of Behavior Problems in Toddlers and Preschool Children from Families Living in Poverty

“…This finding is consistent with prior research suggesting that gender differences in behavior problems are notable in early childhood with boys being more likely to engage in externalizing behaviors (Baillargeon et al, 2007;Mesman, Bongers, & Koot, 2001). Previous studies also have indicated challenging behaviors occur at different rates based on a child's age and developmental level (Campbell, 2002) with externalizing behaviors gradually diminishing over time (Fanti & Henrich, 2010).…”

Behavior problems in young children from low‐income families: The development of a new screening tool

“…Gender differences found on the Challenging Behavior factor suggest that the average reported level of challenging behavior is higher for boys than it is for girls; these differences were largest in children ages 2, 4, and 5 years. This finding is consistent with prior research that has suggested that gender differences in behavior problems are notable in early childhood and increase with age (Baillargeon et al, 2007;Mesman, Bongers, & Koot, 2001). For example, a populationbased cohort study (N = 2,817) of 17-and 29-month-old children found statistically significant differences in the frequency of challenging behaviors, with boys being more likely to engage in externalizing behaviors (e.g., fighting, kicking, biting, restlessness).…”

Comorbid Development of Disruptive Behaviors from age 1½ to 5 Years in a Population Birth-Cohort and Association with School Adjustment in First Grade

“…This construct refers to a child's defiance, nonadherence and non-compliance with an adult's requests or rules that occur along with a lack of guilt after misbehaving as well as to nonresponsiveness to external control (e.g., punishment). Similar constructs have alternatively been labeled opposition-defiance or disregard for rules in previous studies Baillargeon, Morisset, Keenan et al 2012;Baillargeon, Normand, Séguin et al 2007;Petitclerc et al 2009;2011). The items describing NC category were: is rebellious/defiant or refuses to comply with adults' requests or rules; has no remorse after misconduct; doesn't change his/her behavior after being punished.…”