DEVELOPMENTAL PATHWAYS OF BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS IN THE YOUNG-CHILD - FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CONTINUITY AND CHANGE

The continuity and discontinuity of behavioral problems from age 4 thr ough age 7 until 10 were examined in 120 children. The mothers rated c hildhood behavior problems at the three age points. Problems were defi ned as above 80th percentile. Individual transition classification of problematic and non-problematic children showed that 7% had stable beh avior problems, 60% stable non-problematic behavior and the rest displ ayed transitions related to either onset or offset of problems. The me chanisms involved in onset were different from those involved in offse t. Children showing onset of problems had fewer friends, participated less often in organized leisure activities and were more passive in cl ass than the well-functioning children. Maternal characteristics such as continued education, current employment and high educational ambiti ons for the child were associated with having children changing their pathway from risk to an adaptive one.