CONTRIBUTING FACTORS IN THE MANIFESTATION OF AGGRESSION IN PRESCHOOLERS WITH HYPERACTIVITY

This study examined family characteristics of preschoolers with hypera ctivity. We assessed child-rearing practices, maternal depression, mar ital conflict, and social support. Sixty-three preschool boys were pla ced in a hyperactivity-aggressive, hyperactive, aggressive or comparis on group based on behavioral ratings. Parents were given questionnaire s, mothers were interviewed, and children were administered the Woodco ck-Johnson Psyche-Educational Battery and were observed playing. Compa red to preschoolers with hyperactivity, preschoolers with hyperactivit y plus aggression had families with (a) more restrictive fathers, (b) siblings who retaliated aggressively, and (c) mothers who reported mor e physical aggression directed to their partners and more verbal aggre ssion received. Follow-forward aggression ratings were predicted by in itial child manageability and maternal depression, perceived support, and low income.