Social-emotional behavior of preschool-age children with and without developmental delays

• Published in: Research in developmental disabilities 1997-11, Vol.18 (6), p.393-405
• Main Authors: Merrell, Kenneth W., Holland, Melissa Lea
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavior Problems; Behavior Rating Scales; Biological and medical sciences; Child clinical studies; Child, Preschool; Developmental Delays; Developmental Disabilities - psychology; Developmental disorders; Emotional Development; Emotions; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Competence; Male; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous; Parent Attitudes; Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales; Preschool Children; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Social Behavior; Social Behavior Disorders; Social Isolation; Student Evaluation; Teacher Attitudes
• ISSN: 0891-4222; 1873-3379
• DOI: 10.1016/S0891-4222(97)00018-8

Differences in parent and teacher ratings of social-emotional behavior among young children with developmental delays and those without significant developmental problems were examined. Participants included 198 preschool-age children identified as having a developmental delay (DD group) and 198 preschool-age children without significant developmental problems (Comparison group) who were matched to the DD group by age and gender, using a randomized block procedure. Parent and teacher perceptions of social-emotional behavior of the participants were assessed using the Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scale (PKBS), a social skills and problem behavior rating scale for use with young children. PKBS scores were found to classify the participants into their respective groups with a substantial degree of accuracy. Statistically significant differences in social skills and problem behavior scores between the two groups were found, with the DD participants evidencing greater social skills deficits and problem behavior excesses than the Comparison group. Individuals in the DD group were found to be four to five times more likely to have significant social skills deficits and problem behavior excesses than individuals in the Comparison group. The critical social-emotional behaviors separating the two groups appeared to be social interaction and independence skills, and socially withdrawn and isolated behavior patterns. New validity evidence for the PKBS is discussed, as are future needs pertaining to research and clinical practice in the area of socialemotional behavior of young children with developmental delays.