| Abstract: | The purpose of the study was to establish developmental norms for maternal-rated problem behaviors within a disadvantaged group of preschool children. The sample included 406 children between two and five years of age from lower socioeconomic families. Mothers completed the Behavior Problem Checklist (BPC) reporting the frequency of conduct (acting-out) and personality (inhibition) problems. The analyses investigated differences for males and females among four age groups for frequency of behavior problems. No significant age differences were found for either sex on the acting-out or inhibition dimensions of the BPC. The results revealed that the frequency of behavior problems becomes apparent at an early age and remains consistent throughout the preschool years. The consistency across age levels of these maternal-reported behavioral difficulties suggests that early screening with BPC is a viable procedure. The data are discussed in terms of their utility in assisting the school psychologist to select appropriate intervention strategies for the preschool child. |
