A Predictive Model of Behavioral Problems in Elementary School Children

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purposes of the study were to develop and test a model which explains the relationship among factors affecting behavioral problems in elementary school children. METHODS: The participants for the study were 368 elementary school children and their mothers at 3 elementary schools in one city. Data analysis was done using the SPSS 17.0 program for t-test, -test, and ANOVA and the AMOS 17.0 program for theoretical model testing. RESULTS: The theoretical model showed a significant goodness of fit to the empirical data (Goodness of Fit Index .96, Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index .93 Comparative Fit Index .95, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation .06, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual .02). Six paths were found to be statistically significant including from child rearing attitude to self-esteem, stress, stress coping and behavioral problems, and from self-esteem to stress and behavioral problems. Child rearing attitude showed a significant effect to behavioral problems by total effect. Self-esteem affected behavioral problems by total and direct effects. CONCLUSION: Child rearing attitude and self-esteem of children are important factors affecting behavioral problems in elementary school children.