Emotional and behavioural problems in a sample of Finnish three-year-olds

Behavioural and emotional problems in Finnish three-year-olds was studied u sing the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 2-3 as a standardised rating sca le at well-baby clinics in two cities in Finland. Altogether 374 questionna ires were analysed which is 71% of the target population. When compared wit h studies from other countries the mean scores and prevalences of preschool children's problem behaviours were rather similar. Boys were reported to b e more destructive than girls. Parental education level, living in one-pare nt family and parental unemployment were associated with a higher level of problem behaviours. No significant differences were found in emotional or b ehavioural problems related to the child's day care. Co-sleeping with paren ts was associated with sleep problems.