A Longitudinal Study of Childhood Behaviour Problems, Maternal Employment, and Day Care in a Rural Norwegian Community

A longitudinal study followed 120 children and their families of a rural cohort from the preschool period until 10 years of age. The prevalence of behaviour problems was similar to that found in other studies in different countries, except at the age of 10, when a modification of the cutoff point was indicated for the parental report measure. The prevalence of behaviour problems was initially influenced by gender and intelligence test scores. Day care centre experience at a later age was associated with lower levels of behaviour problems, as perceived by parents. At age 10, teachers' perceptions indicated that early maternal employment was associated with higher levels of behaviour problems.