Continuities of common behaviour problems in preschool children

J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 1984 Jan;25(1):75-89. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.1984.tb01720.x.

Abstract

This paper describes the prevalence of behaviour problems in 2 populations of preschool children in London, and the continuities over time of common problems. Night waking was the most common problem under the age of 2, being reported in 21% of 1-year-olds. Just under half of these night wakers were still waking at 18 months, and from 18 months to 2 years just over half the children continued waking The continuities of feeding problems were stronger after the age of 2 years, with poor appetite being reported to persist more than food fads. Over 2 years the most common problem reported was temper tantrums, and 45% of the children having frequent tantrums at 2 years were still having frequent tantrums at 3 years. The implications for services and the need for intervention studies are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child Behavior Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Child Development*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dependency, Psychological
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • London
  • Male
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / diagnosis
  • Social Environment