Clinical significance and correlates of disruptive behavior in environmentally at-risk preschoolers

Examines the clinical significance and correlates of disruptive behavior di sorder symptoms (DBDSX) in preschoolers. Participants were 129 predominantl y minority preschoolers (21/2 to 51/2) residing in low-income environments, half of whom were clinic-referred for disruptive behavior Children with hi gher levels of DBDSX were more impaired in parent-child, preschool and clin ic contexts. Correlates of DBDSX included both prenatal and infancy risks ( low soothability as infants, prenatal exposure to cigarettes) and concurren t parenting factors (harshness, low levels of behavioral responsiveness, an d parenting stress). In general, the clinical and risk profile of DBDSX in preschoolers at environmental risk appears to be similar to that of older c hildren. Based on the results of this study, etiologic and prevention resea rch on disruptive behavior disorders should begin in the first few years of life.