A LONGITUDINAL-STUDY OF CHILDHOOD BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS, MATERNAL EMPLOYMENT, AND DAY-CARE IN A RURAL NORWEGIAN COMMUNITY

A longitudinal study followed 120 children and their families of a rur al cohort from the preschool period until 10 years of age. The prevale nce of behaviour problems was similar to that found in other studies i n different countries, except at the age of 10, when a modification of the cutoff point was indicated for the parental report measure. The p revalence of behaviour problems was initially influenced by gender and intelligence test scores. Day care centre experience at a later age w as associated with lower levels of behaviour problems, as perceived by parents. At age 10, teachers' perceptions indicated that early matern al employment was associated with higher levels of behaviour problems.