BEHAVIORAL-PROBLEMS AND COMPETENCES IN 4-YEAR-OLDS - DIMENSIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

The study explored the dimensionality of parental ratings of positive and negative aspects of behaviour in a sample of 4-year-olds (n = 377) . The children were described using the Preschool Behaviour Questionna ire (PBQ) with items added to include ego strength/effectance and soci al competence, Factor analytic results showed a 2-factor structure in the PBQ behaviour problem area: factor 1 describing externalised condu ct behaviour problems; and factor 2 encompassing the internalised anxi ous-fearful problems. Factor analysis of both positive and negative be havioural aspects yielded a 3-factor structure with externalised probl em behaviours as the first factor, a second broad social inhibition fa ctor, and an ego strength/effectance factor. Correlations showed a low positive relationship between the two problem areas; a stronger relat ionship was found between the positive aspects, peer competence, and e go strength/effectance. There was a weak significant negative correlat ion between peer competence behaviours and outgoing conduct problems. Peer competence was more strongly negatively related to anxious-fearfu l behaviour problems. Conceptual and methodological aspects were discu ssed and the results were related to the inhibition-disinhibition cons truct in temperament research.