Disturbed mother-child interaction at preschool age in children with hyperkinetic and conduct problems

Background: In the literature, disturbances in the mother-child interaction have been consistently reported in children with hyperkinetic and conduct problems. Objective: To replicate the association between disturbed mother- child interaction patterns and childhood externalizing behavior and to furt her investigate its developmental context. Method: 335 mother-preschool chi ld dyads were videotaped in a standardized setting during a task and a play session and were evaluated by trained raters with regard to quantitative a nd qualitative characteristics. Externalizing behaviors at the ages of 4 1/ 2 and 8 years were assessed using a standardized parent interview. Results: Children's poor compliance and negative reactivity as well as mothers' res trictivity and negativity were cross-sectionally and longitudinally related to externalizing behavior. Associations were more pronounced for hyperkine tic than for conduct problems and were closet in the task setting as well a s in psychosocially disadvantaged dyads. Conclusions: Dysfunctional interac tional patterns contribute to the persistence of externalizing disorders be tween preschool and school age.