Psychosocial factors affecting behavioural problems in children

Background: Psychosocial factors in early developmental stage influence the health and well-being of the growing individuals, and may also effect the later development of mental difficulties in youngster’s health. The impact of psychosocial factors on young children’s behavioural difficulties is unclear. The main objective of the present study was to examine the role of intelligence, family status, gender, birth order, class & age on behavioural problems in children. Methods: 292 children with the age range of 8-11 years from Chhattisgarh were selected on the basis of purposive sampling as participants of the study. The cross-sectional research design was used in the study. The intelligence was measured by Raven’s coloured progressive matrices, and demographic checklist was used. Behavioural problems of the children were measured by behavioural checklist developed by Anuradha &Parimu(2005). Data was analysed by using multiple regression analysis. Results: Results indicated that independent factors explained 20.5% of total variance (R²= 0.205; F(6,12.258)=44.607; p<0.01).Intelligence, family status, and birth order of the participants were found to be significantly related with behavioural problems. No significant difference was found in terms of gender and behavioural problem. Conclusions: High intelligent have shown less behavioural problems. First born children have shown more behavioural problems. Children living in joint family system have shown less behavioural problem. No Significant difference was found in girls and boys with respect to behavioural problem. Study will be helpful for health care professional in the management of behavioural problem in the school.