Ecological and individual-level perspectives on children's at-home behaviour
Date
2018-01-26
Authors
LeClair, James Andre
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Abstract
This study examined the prevalence, spatial distribution, and correlates of
problem behaviour amongst the Grades K-4 cohort in the most highly urbanised portion
of the Capital Regional District, British Columbia. Data for the study were collected
during the period October through December, 1997.
The first stage of data collection involved the distribution of a survey package,
consisting of a socio-demographic and medical history questionnaire and the Walker
Problem Behaviour Identification Checklist, to the parents of 3121 children in the 15
participating schools. A total of 571 useful responses were obtained, yielding a useful
response rate of 18.3%.
In the second stage of data collection, hair samples were obtained from 258
children. Hair elemental analysis of the samples allowed for the determination of
individual children’s exposures to several toxic metals as well as systemic and/or dietary
levels of various nutritive elements.
Results of the behavioural assessment revealed that 23.8% of the participating
children received a score in the ‘problem behaviour’ range for the Total Walker scale, a
measure of overall behavioural functioning. Rates of problem behaviour for the subscales
varied considerably: Acting-Out (33.5%); Withdrawal (5.3%); Distractibility
(12.4%); Disturbed Peer Relations (31.2%); Immaturity (26.4%).
Substantial variations in rates of problem behaviour were revealed at the census
tract level, with each scale exhibiting a concentration of problem behaviour in the central
portion of the study area. The most pronounced clustering of problem behaviour was
apparent for the Total and Withdrawal scales, while the Disturbed Peer Relations scale
results exhibited the most dispersed pattern.
Ecological correlation analyses revealed that measures of socio-economic
disadvantage, high mobility, and family dysfunction were positively correlated with census
tract rates of problem behaviour, while measures of social and economic advantage
appeared to have a ‘protective’ effect. The degree to which the urban ecology of the study
area was related to prevalence rates was dependent upon the nature of the behaviour being
considered, with behaviours related to withdrawal and immaturity showing the least
association with social factors. Contextual analyses suggested that, in some cases, the quality of the urban environment had an independent association with problem behaviour,
beyond the effects of individual social status.
Amongst the medical history-related factors considered, having a food allergy was a
characteristic significantly more prevalent amongst children with problem behaviour on the
Total and Distractibility scales, while children born following a ‘prolonged labour’ were
more likely to receive a score above the problem behaviour threshold for the Immaturity
scale.
Social status and family characteristics appear to be of particular significance as
potential ‘risk’ and ‘protective’ factors. Children with problem behaviours were more
frequently exposed to variables describing economic disadvantage, stressful life
circumstances, and disruptive events; and were more likely to live in a single parent,
rented, and/or subsidised home than other children. The factors considered were of least
importance for behaviour characterised by ‘acting-out’ and ‘immaturity.’ While seemingly of less significance than the other factors considered, nutritive mineral imbalances and toxic metal exposures may have an important influence on
children’s behaviour. Calcium status appears to be of some consequence, with significant
positive associations observed between 'low’ exposure to this mineral and problem
behaviour of several types. Behaviour characterised by distractibility ’ may be the most
affected by mineral status, with significant associations observed between problem
behaviour of this type and 'low ’ calcium, 'high’ manganese, and 'high' cadmium.
The results obtained suggest that at least one factor from each level of analysis was
of significance as a potential 'risk’ or protective’ factor for each behavioural problem
considered. As a result, a more holistic, multidisciplinary approach to the study of
childhood behavioural problems seems justified.
Description
Keywords
Behavioral assessment of children, Children, Child development