Articles

Prevalence of problem behavior in a general population sample of children with learning problems

Authors

  • Pol Ghesquière University of Leuven
  • Hans Grietens University of Leuven
  • Walter Hellinckx University of Leuven

Abstract

The prevalence of problem behavior was studied in a general population sample of 44 children with learning problems aged 6 through 12 using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). This sample formed part of a general population sample drawn within the context of a large-scale epidemiological study on problem behavior in children in Flanders. Children were selected on the basis of their parents’ reports on learning problems. CBCL scores of children with learning problems were compared with CBCL scores of same-aged normally achieving children and a clinical sample of children consulting a mental health service. Children with learning problems manifested a wide variety of behavioral and emotional problems. Compared with normally achieving children, they scored significantly higher on Total Problems, the Internalizing and Externalizing scales and four out of eight narrowband syndromes, Anxious/Depressed, Social Problems, Attention Problems, and Aggressive Behavior. Compared with children of the clinical sample, children with learning problems achieved significantly lower scores only on two narrowband syndromes, Withdrawn and Thought Problems. No specific problem behavior pattern was found in children with learning problems. Poor concentration was the most widely distributed sample characteristic. This study illustrates the high correlation between learning problems and problem behavior in a non-clinical general population sample.

Author Biographies

Pol Ghesquière, University of Leuven

Pol Ghesquière, Ph.D., is a professor in the Section of Orthopedagogics, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, at the University of Leuven in Belgium. From 1986 to 1993 he focused on homebased treatment of parenting problems, especially in abusive multi-problem families. At present he is doing research on children with learning disabilities and on special education.

Hans Grietens, University of Leuven

Hans Grietens, M.A., is researcher in the Section of Orthopedagogics, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, at the University of Leuven in Belgium. He is doing research on learning problems and on the prevalence of behavioral and emotional problems in children in Flanders. He is the coauthor of several books and articles on the latter topic.

Walter Hellinckx, University of Leuven

Walter Hellinckx, Ph.D., is a professor in the Section of Orthopedagogics, Faculty of Psychology and Educational ciences, at the University of Leuven in Belgium. His research interests center on treatment and care of troubled children, particularly children in residential and foster care. At present, he is coordinating an epidemiological study on problem behavior in children in Flanders. He has written several books and articles on this topic.

Published

1998-03-01

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (1998)

Section

Articles