PREDICTION OF PRESCHOOL BEHAVIORAL-PROBLEMS IN HEALTHY AND PEDIATRIC SAMPLES

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.