Externalizing behavior problems in young children: Contributing factors and early intervention

The early emergence and developmental implications of externalizing behavior problems in toddlers and preschoolers are discussed with an emphasis on which young children are truly at risk for continuing problems. The extant literature is reviewed with a focus on the stability of early externalizing behavior and the diverse pathways that young children, primarily boys, with early-emerging problems may follow. Findings from a number of studies, both epidemiological and high risk, suggest that the small subgroup of boys with multiple risk factors that include especially high levels of early hyperactivity and aggression, and high levels of negative parenting and family stress, are most likely to evidence continuing problems at school entry. Sociodemographic and neighborhood influences are also discussed, as are implications for future research and policy.

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Predicting BMI in Young Children with Developmental Delay and Externalizing Problems: Links with Caregiver Depressive Symptoms and Acculturation

Journal of Pediatric Psychology ◽

10.1093/jpepsy/jsaa074 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 45 (9) ◽

pp. 1084-1092

Author(s):

Brynna H Heflin ◽

Jonathan S Comer ◽

Daniel M Bagner

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

Young Children ◽

Behavior Problems ◽

Developmental Delay ◽

Externalizing Behavior ◽

Externalizing Behavior Problems ◽

Caregiver Depression ◽

Cultural Minority ◽

Child Bmi

Abstract Background Caregiver depression is associated with increased risk for childhood obesity. However, studies assessing the relation between caregiver depression and childhood obesity have focused primarily on typically developing, school-aged children and have not examined the influence of cultural factors. Objectives To evaluate the association between caregiver depressive symptoms and body mass index (BMI) scores in young children with developmental delay (DD) and externalizing behavior problems, as well as the moderating role of acculturation and enculturation on this association. Methods We examined the association between caregiver depressive symptoms and child BMI scores in 147 3-year-old children with DD and elevated levels of externalizing behavior problems. Caregivers of all participating children self-identified as coming from cultural minority backgrounds. We also examined the association between caregiver depressive symptoms and child BMI across levels of caregiver acculturation and enculturation. Results Higher levels of caregiver depressive symptoms were associated with higher child BMI scores (b = .189, p = .001). Acculturation significantly moderated the association between caregiver depressive symptoms and child BMI scores (b = .21, p = .01), such that the association was stronger for more acculturated caregivers. Enculturation was not a significant moderator. Conclusions Caregiver depressive symptoms may confer elevated risk for child obesity when caregivers are highly acculturated to the United States, suggesting clinicians should consider levels of acculturation to optimize services for children and families from cultural minority backgrounds.

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