Application of the Integrative Causal Model of Anti-social Behaviour to the Behaviour Problems of Pre-school Children

Walker, Lorraine (2001). Application of the Integrative Causal Model of Anti-social Behaviour to the Behaviour Problems of Pre-school Children. DSocSci thesis The Open University.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21954/ou.ro.0000f721

Abstract

Objectives:
This study applied the Integrative Causal Model of Antisocial Behaviour to the behaviour of preschool behaviour In an attempt to increase understanding of the origins of preschool behaviour problems. Three hypotheses were generated:
• Predisposing factors and social factors combined would account for more of the variance in child behaviour than either set of factors alone.
• Oppositional temperament would be the more predictive of child behaviour than the remaining predisposing factors.
• Harsh discipline and low tolerance for difficult behaviour would be more predictive of child behaviour than lax supervision or parental antisocial behaviour.
Design:
A cross sectional, within subjects design was used with a community sample.
Method:
Forty parent-child dyads opted-in to the study. Parents completed questionnaires regarding: child behaviour and temperament; their discipline and supervision of the child and their psychological well being, stress and degree of antisocial behaviour while the child's verbal ability was assessed. Basic demographic data was also obtained.
Results:
The main results were:
• Predisposing factors and social factors combined were more predictive of preschool behaviour than either alone;
• More specifically socioeconomic status, harm avoidant temperament and parental antisocial behaviour combined were most predictive of preschool behaviour;
• Harm avoidant temperament and harsh physical discipline were the most significant single predictors of preschool behaviour.
Conclusions:
The Integrative Causal Model of Antisocial Behaviour was of limited value for understanding preschool behaviour problems. It may be that different factors are implicated in the development of early behaviour problems compared to antisocial behaviour.

Viewing alternatives

Download history

Metrics

Public Attention

Altmetrics from Altmetric

Number of Citations

Citations from Dimensions

Item Actions

Export

About