S. Goldberg et al., PREDICTION OF PRESCHOOL BEHAVIORAL-PROBLEMS IN HEALTHY AND PEDIATRIC SAMPLES, Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics, 18(5), 1997, pp. 304-313
In a prospective study of 137 children (47 with cystic fibrosis, 48 wi
th congenital heart disease, 42 with no chronic illness), four domains
were examined as predictors of parent-reported behavioral problems, p
articularly internalizing problems, at 4 years of age: child health, c
hild temperament, parent-child relationships, and family environment.
Family environment, as measured by the Parenting Stress Index at 1, 2,
and 3 years, was the most powerful predictor. This suggests that this
index is useful as an early screen for children at risk for behaviora
l problems and that a reduction of parenting stress is an appropriate
target of preventive interventions.