Clinical Significance and Correlates of Disruptive Behavior in Environmentally At-Risk Preschoolers

Examines the clinical significance and correlates of disruptive behavior disorder symptoms (DBDSX) in preschoolers. Participants were 129 predominantly minority preschoolers (2 1/2 to 5 1/2) residing in low-income environments, half of whom were clinic-referred for disruptive behavior. Children with higher levels of DBDSX were more impaired in parent-child, preschool and clinic contexts. Correlates of DBDSX included both prenatal and infancy risks (low soothability as infants, prenatal exposure to cigarettes) and concurrent parenting factors (harshness, low levels of behavioral responsiveness, and parenting stress). In general, the clinical and risk profile of DBDSX in preschoolers at environmental risk appears to be similar to that of older children. Based on the results of this study, etiologic and prevention research on disruptive behavior disorders should begin in the first few years of life.