The structure and prevalence of behavioral problems in Hong Kong preschool children

J Abnorm Child Psychol. 1991 Apr;19(2):219-32. doi: 10.1007/BF00909979.

Abstract

Nearly all 3-year-old Chinese children in Hong Kong attend preschool facilities, making it possible to study their behavior in a group learning situation based upon teachers' perception. The Preschool Behavior Checklist (PBCL), a teacher's questionnaire, was applied to a random sample of 851 Chinese children, ages 36 to 48 months. The factor structure of the PBCL was very similar to that obtained from its original British study, supporting its usage cross-culturally. Prevalence of behavior disorder was high as defined by the PBCL. This reflected specific cultural demands at school settings. Significant sex differences were also found in the overall rate of behavior disorder and symptom patterns. As in other studies, boys had more hyperactive, conduct, and speech problems. The results suggested a certain degree of universality of symptomatology for children at the preschool level.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Affective Symptoms / diagnosis
  • Affective Symptoms / epidemiology
  • Child Behavior Disorders / diagnosis
  • Child Behavior Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Hong Kong / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Personality Assessment / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychometrics
  • Social Environment